Ambrose helps me mount my horse, pausing before he mounts his own.

“Hera,” he says softly.

I look at him.

“I know you don’t trust me. Don’t trust this. But I’ll wait for you as long as you need.”

His endearment makes my chest tighten. I wish it was that simple.

I smile at him, “I’ll be the one waiting if you keep losing races against me.”

I take off, leaving him behind. When I reach the ...