Technically it was an honor to be chosen, but all things considered Katylin would have rather died. Well, not literally of course, but really, a horse? Her best friend Lily was not help at all, bouncing and squealing over the honor of it all. ‘Isn’t it great that you got chosen!’ ‘Isn’t it wonderful!’ ‘I wish I had been chosen!’ HA.

Katy ignored the multitude of congratulations from her friends and family and focused on channeling her embarrassed rage at her new partner. The older teenager stoically ignored her, but she could see the back of his neck flush. Good. She glared harder.

“That’ll be enough of that.” Katy rocked forward as someone lightly cuffed the back of her head. Turning with a snarl, she abruptly wilted as she caught sight of the muddy-gray uniform. “It’s not his fault you have the talent for it, you know.” The older woman gave her an admonishing look. “Everyone serves, each to their talents.” It was the First Law, and Katy had heard it every morning before classes for the past seven years. Hearing it again didn’t help.

Still, the older Knight seemed to be waiting for an answer, so she shrugged and stopped glaring at Kevin. She glared at the ground instead. There was an exasperated grunt from the Knight as the older woman gave up and went on her way.

It wasn’t fair, at least Kevin didn’t have to be a stupid horse.