Amalee whimpered but my grip didn’t lessen. My heart wavered for a split second, dreading the possibility of her leaving me, but I forced my hand to stay put. She’d never learn if we didn’t have this out for once and all.

“I was.. thinking of the.. song. The one you mentioned.. yesterday. Samson’s Prelude, by TJ Martin.”

I didn’t share my thoughts with her but a part of me beamed with pride that she choose to tell me exactly what she’d been thinking. Another trait high on my list, honesty. This one would capture my heart, mind and soul if I wasn’t careful. Her fear came through as stuttering, good to know. I tacked that tiny bit of knowledge in my databank for future use.

“It would blend well with the routine we’re working on. The slow beginning mixed with the upbeat middle.” I eased away.

She interrupted with, “and I love the way it ends in a trail of melodies. I would love to prance around for those last few notes.”

Those rosy cheeks and bright eyes fascinated me. I used the palm of my hand to rub the back of her neck while she nuzzled against me. If we hadn’t been in the middle of a lesson I’d have nestled her in my arms and cuddled her in a most protective grasp. Neither of us spoke for several minutes.

My voice dropped down to a whisper. “I simply have to be sure, Amalee, that you are motivated enough to want this. I don’t train passing fantasy takers.”

“No, you train me. Hopefully I’ll make you proud and become the only pony you’ll ever want or need.” Violet eyes beamed up at me.

“I’ve never promised you a commitment.” The words came out harsh even to my own ears. Here I was trying to convince a luscious pony that I’d taken her for nothing more than a passing fancy but even worse- I didn’t believe my own words.

The light disappeared, just like that. “Of course not, sir. I didn’t mean to imply…”

Another twinge pulsed deep within my chest but I ignored it. One successful show and she’d be gone like all the others. Pony players were plentiful and I’d find one to replace her within days of her departure. Thoughts of prolonging her training passed through my mind. I went back to the task at hand.