Missing piece (1)

  She stared at their receding backs until they disappeared behind one of the castle walls. Even then, Zephyr had to grab her arm. "Did you not hear what the queen of this land just said? We need to leave." 

She hesitated. She had hoped he would change his mind and turn back. She didn't expect him to run back to her after the fight that had just broken out. She also knew he wouldn't go to see her as she had requested either. Still, she'd thought he would smile at her and let her know everything would be okay, even if it wouldn't. She sighed sadly. "Okay." 

They walked back to the waiting horse. Marlena glanced at his arms and tiptoed to help. "I'll help you—-" 

"Don't bother." He cut her off. 

She shrunk away. She didn't blame him for being angry but it still upset her that he was so hostile out of the blue. When they mounted the horse, she held the reins. "I will ride this time since…"