“Not really,” Kayleen told him. “His food is amazing. I’m honored just to eat it.”

As’ad looked at his father. “In an effort to fill her day, Kayleen went down to the kitchen and offered to help. It did not go well.”

Kayleen felt herself flush. “He was a little insulted. There was a crash. I’m guessing he threw stuff.”

“Was that the night my soufflé was burned?” the king asked.

“I hope not,” Kayleen told him.

He smiled. “So what conversation did I interrupt?” he asked.

“We were talking about horses,” Nadine told him. “We rode and took lessons at the orphanage.”

The king looked at his son. “Horses. I believe we have a stable, do we not?”

As’ad glanced at the girls. “The king is teasing. The palace stables are world famous.”

Dana leaned toward him. “Do you have horses that go fast?”

“Faster than would be safe for a novice rider.”

She wrinkled her nose. “If we took more lessons, we would be experts.”

“Exactly,” As’ad told her.

The king nodded. “I agree. All young princesses should know how to ride. I will speak to the head groom myself and arrange lessons.” He glanced at Kayleen. “For all of you.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, because it was expected.

“You do not look excited,” As’ad whispered to her.

“Pepper wasn’t kidding about me falling. It happens all the time.”

“Perhaps you need more personal instruction.”

She stared into his eyes as he spoke and found herself getting lost in his gaze. It was as if he had an energy field that pulled her closer. She had the oddest feeling he was going to touch her-and she was going to like him touching her.

“Riding is an enjoyable way to get exercise,” the king said.

“Has anyone asked the horse about that?”

She spoke without thinking-something that had often gotten her in trouble back at the convent. There was a moment of silence, then the king laughed.