Chapter 26

When Thalia and Asher returned from their ride, they found only Grace waiting. Charlotte, Sebastian, and Victoria Darwin had presumably gone riding.

“Oh, Thalia!” Grace’s smile was overly sweet. “You looked amazing riding. Would you teach me?”

Thalia hesitated. Hadn’t Grace insisted Asher should be her instructor?

“There are professional instructors,” Thalia offered. “I could call one.”

Grace’s lips pouted slightly. “But instructors are so intimidating. I don’t know them, and they might be harsh. You’re so kind—you wouldn’t scold me, would you?”

Thalia was uncomfortable with the forced familiarity. She glanced at Asher. He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. “Lia, would you mind teaching her?”

Thalia considered. Grace was Asher’s sister, his future sister-in-law. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized and now seemed friendly. Thalia, naturally generous, chose not to assume ill intent.

“Alright,” she agreed, turning to Grace. “I can teach you some basics today, let you get a feel for it. Then you should take proper lessons.”

“Really?” Grace beamed. “Thank you, Thalia! You’re too kind.” The excessive sweetness was almost cloying. Thalia wondered if she’d been overthinking Grace’s earlier hostility.

“Of course,” she replied politely.

Chapter 26

Grace studied her future sister-in-law. She should call her “sister,” but couldn’t bring herself to do so. She refused to accept Thalia’s marriage to Asher. The thought of him with anyone else was unbearable.

“Thank you for doing this, Lia,” Asher said warmly. Turning to Grace, his expression cooled. “Mind Thalia’s instructions. Do exactly as she says. And be careful.”

“Yes, brother.” Grace’s smile was innocent.

“Come with me,” Thalia said, leading Snow. Grace followed.

“Mount from the left side,” Thalia instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right leg over.” She supported Grace as she mounted. “Careful now.” Grace’s athletic wear, though not proper riding attire, would suffice.

Thalia led Snow at a walk, holding the reins from the ground. “How does it feel?” she asked, looking up at Grace.

Now facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet demeanor. Her smile vanished, her eyes turning cold. “Fine.” Thalia wasn’t bothered by the attitude shift; it felt more natural than the forced friendliness.

“Posture is crucial for beginners,” Thalia explained. “Sit straight in the saddle.” She handed Grace the reins. “To move forward, don’t pull back. Just release the tension.”

Chapter 26

Grace followed instructions, and Snow obligingly moved forward.

“Her name is Snow,” Thalia said warmly. “She’s very gentle—you’re quite safe.”

“Am I?” Grace’s tone was odd.

“I’m right here,” Thalia assured her. “Nothing will happen.”

Grace’s smile was enigmatic. “How reassuring.”

Thalia continued: “To increase speed, use leg pressure against her sides. The more pressure, the faster she’ll go. Remember to release the pressure once she’s moving.”

“Clear enough?” Thalia asked.

“Quite,” said Grace.

They’d moved some distance from their starting point. Grace glanced back—Asher was out of sight. As Thalia explained riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening. In her right hand, holding the reins, she concealed a brooch she’d removed earlier.

Thalia, unaware, asked, “How are you finding it? Exhilarating, isn’t it?”

“Mm, quite nice,” Grace replied absently.

“Beautiful evening,” Thalia remarked, admiring the sunset. The late afternoon light painted the sky in brilliant colors, a gentle breeze rustling the grass.

“Shall we head back?” Thalia suggested.

Grace’s smile turned calculating. Thalia frowned, confused. That’s when it happened. Snow suddenly bolted.

Chapter 26

Grace clung to the reins, screaming. “Help! Someone help!” Thalia stood frozen in shock. How had this happened? It was so sudden—she hadn’t had time to grab the reins. Her mind went blank momentarily. When she recovered, she immediately called for emergency assistance.

Grace was thrown, rolling across the grass. The horse continued its panicked run. The response team arrived quickly, loading Grace onto a stretcher. Asher and the others ran up. Seeing Grace injured, Asher’s expression darkened as he looked at Thalia. She stared back helplessly, eyes wide with confusion.