Before Nina could react, Rodrigo lifted her effortlessly from the ground.
A startled yelp escaped her lips.
The world shifted, and the next instant she was seated atop the broad black stallion.
The horse shifted beneath her, powerful muscles rolling under its glossy coat. It felt impossibly tall. Nina instinctively pitched forward, grabbing for the front of the saddle.
Rodrigo steadied her immediately, one hand braced firmly against her side before she could tip any farther.
"Don't move."
His voice was calm. Steady.
As though lifting a grown woman onto a warhorse was something light.
The stallion snorted softly.
Rodrigo stroked its neck in a slow, reassuring motion. The animal lowered its head almost instantly, the tension melting from its body beneath his touch.
Only then did he turn to her.
"Your foot."
Nina obeyed without a word.
