Chapter 1148:

The coach offered an explanation, his reassuring tone calming. “We can’t be certain what startled it—perhaps an insect struck a sensitive area. The horse seems calm now.”

Elyse gazed up at the now-docile animal, a rueful smile playing on her lips. “I suppose horseback riding isn’t my forte after all.”

Edward, with worry written all over his face, had been so engrossed in his own enjoyment that he’d neglected to properly oversee Elyse, especially as a beginner.

A wave of remorse engulfed Edward. “Forgive me. All of this is my fault.”

Elyse shook her head gently at his pleading, a soft chuckle escaping her. “Edward, this isn’t your fault. It’s just bad luck. Sometimes it happens.”

Steadying herself against the fence, she rose to her feet. “Besides, you were quite the vision on that horse. I couldn’t take my eyes away from you.”

Edward scratched his head, his voice taking on a hint of uncertainty. “You think so? In that case, why don’t I keep you company for a bit? Once you’re feeling better, you can look forward to another show.”

Elyse smiled. “That does sound tempting, but rein it back a little this time. No more reckless stunts just to show off, understood?”

Edward readily nodded. “Alright, don’t worry.”

As the coach brought over a chair for Elyse, a thought belatedly struck her. “What about the person who rescued me?” she asked. “Where did he go?”

Edward shook his head. “I don’t know. He was already gone when I got here.”

Elyse’s gaze shifted to the coach.

He turned thoughtful and said, “After he saved you and brought you here, he rode off on a black horse.”

Edward’s brow creased in confusion. “Just like that? He saved someone, then just vanished into thin air? What did he look like?” Elyse pressed.

The coach furrowed his forehead as he recalled. “Quite tall, but he had a mask on, so I couldn’t make out his face.”

“A masked face,” Elyse mused, getting lost in contemplation.

Ten minutes later, Elyse’s fears were completely dispelled.

“This time, it looks like we switched to one that I can handle,” Edward said. “Don’t go anywhere near that horse.”

“A horse that matches her skill level?” The coach scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Actually, yes. We have something for her. Just wait here, and I’ll bring the horse to you.”

His words brought out a sigh of relief from Elyse. “Thank goodness. There’s no way I could have managed that one. It’s way too spirited for me.”

“You just suck, noob,” Edward teased.

Elyse snorted, her eyes gleaming with mischief and challenge. “Oh really? If you’re so great, why don’t you show me now that it’s done? Or are you just all talk?”

Edward took the bait, cracking his knuckles as he answered, “Watch and learn, rookie. And try not to be too impressed, yeah?” With that, he made an exceedingly flamboyant show of mounting his horse, then galloped off.

. . .