Avena - Dawn of the Phoenix, #3

Augustus Korona was not born of nobility. He was just the son of a traveling merchant and gladly took the reins of his parents' business upon their retirement. But, he could never forget the wild blue eyes of the youngest child of Hekatia DeMont. As the third-born lady and last child of the House Royale DeMont, Avena DeMont was not in direct line to take over her House. Nevertheless, she was her mother's darling child.
So when her devoted mother dishonored her because of a horse, Avena was devastated. But, Busefulos was no ordinary horse. He had become protector, companion, and friend. She would not ... could not kill him as her mother, the so-called just Hekatia DeMont had ordered. Upon the even of her beloved brother Warren's wedding, Avena made her difficult choice ... she would run away to make a clean start.
Her loyal horse would be her only true companion as she would ply her wares as a ranger-for-hire. Still, the dark coal eyes of her childhood love-interest still haunted her.