The Language of Power (The Steerswoman, #4)

by Rosemary Kirstein

“Food and lodging are one matter; there’s no custom that requires people to give me free use of a horse for twenty-four hours.” “Yes, but maybe the head groom doesn’t know that—” “Bel—” “So I’ll do the talking, and you stay quiet and try not to look appalled and disapproving.

Rowan held on to Willam’s waist tentatively, as if steadying some extremely tall object; Will held his arm about Rowan’s shoulder in the manner of a person restraining a wet dog.