Satisfaction flared in my dark eyes as the taunt found its mark. It didn't matter if the words were true or not, only that they did what I needed them to do: to knock the proud Peak mare down a peg or two. Her challenge had irritated me and I aimed to return that feeling tenfold before she found her way out of here. As much as I would like (and try) to keep Khar'pern, she struck me as the sort of mare that the Peak would actually try to "rescue" on purpose. The sort who had earned enough notoriety for them to care.

But then agian, who knew. The Peak was composed of hormonal mares and it was far beyond me to try and make sense of their politics.

"I do have manners." I reassure her with a smirk as she attempts to call my character into question. It was cute the way she tried to make me feel ashamed for winning when we both knew that manners didn't really matter. Not then. Not now. And very likely not in the future, either. "I just don't waste them on mares that stick their noses where they don't belong."

I let that comment sit for a moment and then lowered my voice to a croon as I sidled a step or two closer now that her back was turned, memories of last season dancing through my mind. "But don't worry, love, I know you were just looking for a way to gain my attention again." Obviously, I didn't believe this myself. She was no more fond of me than I of her; lust had brought us together last season, not love or affection. "Now you don't need to worry." I offered smoothly, opting to risk coming close to her regardless of the tiredness clinging to my muscles. "I'll be with you all - the - time now."

Apart from checking on Hiyori and Vogue, of course. And searching for another new recruit. And maintaining my presence here lest my brethren get any funny ideas about coming for my position.

A busy season, considering, but one that promised to be exciting and there was nothing I craved quite so much as the excitement of it all.

Stallion - Young Adult - 15.2 - Brown Overo