"You hid your laughter well," he praises her, while laughing himself at the same time. "Had you not, I was prepared to just make some comment regarding your behavior. They seemed to take my explanation for why I had chosen such an outspoken woman for a mate without much question...I would have thought of something."

It is a good thing that he does not have to truly 'hold on' to her as she flies them towards the sea - his arms are quite tired and sore, as are the muscles in his abdomen and his thighs. Horses are not a thing to be trifled with!