Koray

The silence carried on until, at last, Vita Nova broke the silence, just as he had been hoping she would. With a snort and a stomp, the mare made a frank remark on his behavior, and Koray lifted his head from the water in response, turning his head toward her.

Droplets dripped from his pink chin, and his pale green eyes appraised her thoughtfully, noting the edge to her voice and the stiffness in her demeanor. "That's because I am," he admitted, and cocked one rust-colored hind leg as if to show just how relaxed and satisfied he was. In truth, his heart was thumping heavily in his chest, and he could feel the beginnings of sweat prickling along his skin. No doubt he would grow used to the idea of wielding power in time, but for now it was enough to send his adrenaline skyrocketing.

He tilted his head at her question in feigned surprise, and his russet forelock shifted to hide one eye. "Orhan didn't tell you...?" He snorted and stood a little straighter, throwing a glance off into the sandy distance. "Arcana and two of her daughters disappeared. My father has gone to retrieve them and has left the desert in my care."

Koray studied Vita Nova carefully to see how she would take this news. He fully expected her to put up a fight, or to at least throw a few obscenities his way; he almost hoped she would, so that he would have an opportunity to practice his authoritarian skills. Part of him equally hoped she would simply accept it. He had neglected her ever since he had brought her here, and their relationship had suffered as a result. Now was the time to mend fences and build strong links between each member of the herd.

He was determined to be greater than his father.