Out of respect for Xina’s protectiveness, Şahin had not approached Conquistador since the day he’d met the boy. But he’d watched him, noted how he interacted with the herd, and did not avoid the colt. He was an observer and what he saw did not displease him. Conquistador was a young colt, growing stronger by the day, and honestly Şahin did not understand quite what Xina was so worried about in regards to the boy’s physical health— he worried, in fact, that coddling the boy could cripple him. But he did not interfere. It was not his place.

However, after his discussion with the roan mare, Şahin decided it was more than time he and the boy got to know one another better than just as two horses who shared a herd. The mare’s concerns made sense now that he knew she was worried about another stallion coming in and corrupting the kid, and there was no time like the present to reinforce his relationship with the colt. With luck, maybe he could convince Conquistador that he was the most trustworthy stallion in his life, so that when and if Rade did come calling, Conquistador would think twice about running of with a relative stranger. Even if that stranger was a relative.

He snorted, tossed his head, and jogged over to the yearling. He’d gotten taller since his arrival in Paradise, and Şahin had taken great pleasure in watching him mature. All children were blessings, and while it seemed fate had decided none of the foals in Paradise were his own, Şahin still treated them as such. “Conquistador,” he said, his voice warm. “I want to show you something,” he said, turning his body and taking a couple of steps away from the herd. “Walk with me?”