"I understand," Vega says. It would almost seem normal if she weren't still staring at Clarisse, hard, as if that might permit her to see something extra and secret. Then she straightens up and looks at Sweet Lavender, who is leaning into the scratching.

Both asking this and being kind to her horse prompt her to be honest. "Not as important as I'd like to be."

She skims her hand down the horse's back. "But all this will change that."