"Yes, sir," Gael replied immediately, lowering his head. "I'll resume my duties now."
He didn't wait for permission.
Gael hurried past him, grabbing a bucket of feed with hands that trembled only slightly.
He kept his head down as he approached the stall, every step measured, every movement careful.
He could feel the letter against his chest like a brand, heavy and terrifying and important all at once.
The senior stable hand watched him for a moment longer, eyes lingering with mild suspicion, before turning away with a dismissive click of his tongue.
"Don't wander," the man muttered."Curiosity gets people hurt."
Gael swallowed hard but said nothing. He poured the feed carefully, his hands steady now by sheer will.
The horse snorted softly, unaware of the danger coiled so tightly around the boy's ribs.
As the man's footsteps faded, Gael let out the breath he'd been holding.
