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look ridiculous to have an army of soldiers escorting the horses. This is supposed to a celebration of pride in the heritage of the royal stables of Chantaine.”
    â€œUnfortunately, not all the citizens see it that way,” he said.
    â€œThere’s an easy solution to the money problem,” she said.
    â€œWhat’s that?” he asked, glancing around the crowd.
    â€œRelease Black’s seed,” she said.
    His head whipped around as he focused on her. “Pardon me?”
    â€œYou know what I’m saying. You need to let Black provide stud service. You’ll make tons of money.”
    â€œI’ve been waiting—”
    â€œFor what? The perfect filly?” she asked.
    His eyebrows knitted in disapproval. “Who are you to tell me when I should send my stallion out for stud?”
    â€œI am the royal stable master. You hired me for this very purpose,” she said, lifting her chin.
    A trumpet sounded. “We’ll discuss this later.”
    â€œDarn right, we will,” she said. “And you better cut the number of guards for this party in half or you’re going to look like you’re headed into war.”

Chapter Four
    E ve walked the route of the parade next to the horses. Actually, she ran, trotted, skipped and walked, dividing her attention between the horses and potential protesters. At one turn in the street, she heard hecklers and searched the crowd. Within seconds, the palace guard swarmed like bees. She wished she could talk to them and tell them the value of the prized horses that represented their country, but she knew it wasn’t her place.
    Pushing aside the effects of the heat of the afternoon, she returned to the last of the parade where Stefan rode astride Black. At every turn, the crowd screamed and clapped in delight. Understandably so. Both Stefan and Black were prime specimens. The spectators threw flowers at them, and she was relieved to see Black take it all in stride.
    Suddenly from the corner of her eye, she saw a child streak out of the crowd toward Stefan and Black.Instinctively, she chased after the boy child. She barely caught him in her arms.
    â€œPrince Stefan,” the child wailed. “I want to ride with Prince Stefan.”
    â€œSorry, sweetie,” she said as the child struggled in her arms. “I don’t want you to get caught in the horse’s legs. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
    She felt Stefan’s glance at her and looked up at him. Her gaze met his, and the connection between them zinged again. He glanced at the boy and lifted his hand, waving her to bring the child to him.
    â€œAre you sure?” she called, surprised yet not.
    He nodded and she carried the little boy to him. One of the guards stepped forward to help lift the boy into the saddle in front of Stefan. The crowd roared with delight. “Find his parents to meet me at the end of the route.”
    Eve searched the crowd and immediately spotted the astonished, beaming parents of the boy. The young couple were already walking down the street. The father carried a sleeping infant in an infant carrier on his back.
    Eve caught up with them. “Hello, I’m Eve Jackson, the royal horse master. Is that your son taking a ride with Prince Stefan?”
    The woman gave a huge nod, clearly still stunned. “My son, Ricardo, he is so active. He got away from both my husband and me. Thank you for catching him. I can’t believe he is riding with Prince Stefan.”
    Eve couldn’t help smiling at the joy on the couples’ faces. “His Royal Highness asked that I make sure you meet your son at the end of the parade. We don’t want your son to be frightened.”
    â€œFrightened,” the father echoed. “I can only wish. The boy shows no fear.”
    â€œI understand,” she said sympathetically. “Mr.—?”
    â€œBenito,” he said. “Raul and Gina Benito, thank you for your