Under the heiress facade

Hera's back was pressed against Bernard's sculpted torso as they rode through the borderless meadow, the horse under them galloping through the wind that kissed their faces. There was something idyllic and romantic about the scene that made everyone stop and stare.

Nicholas was wide-eyed as he did a double-take. Bernard had cheated! He had said he would participate in the race alongside Hera, but he took her off her horse and pulled her onto his mount instead.

"Wow, that looks fun! I want to try that too!" Samantha's eyes were bright as she dismounted with an easy grace and jogged over to Shaun, only to mount his horse.

Shaun wrapped his arms tightly around her and held the reins. With a firm shout, he steered his horse toward Bernard and Hera, leaving Nicholas behind with three horses.

Nicholas ground his teeth. This was ridiculous. Surely, he deserved more respect than this!

It had been a long time since Hera rode on horseback. She allowed Bernard to guide her for a lap until she adjusted to the sensation and muscle memory kicked in. After that, she took over the reins and sent the horse galloping across the meadow.

When Shaun and Samantha caught up to them, they galloped a few more laps across the meadow before Hera decided to return to Nicholas' side.

When she saw Nicholas sullenly leading the horses back to the stables, she leaped off Bernard's mount and asked, "So, who won?"

"You did, Hera! You're officially the commander of this trip!" Samantha said happily.

"No dice! Her horse crossed the finish line without her. That's cheating!" Nicholas snapped.

remained atop his horse and looked down his nose at Nicholas. "You said the first one to cross the finish line wins, but you didn't state that the horse must have a rider. It's a bad look to be a

prompted, "Go ahead, sweetie. You're commander now,

these men be any more

and barked, "That's considered cheating! I might not be a straight-A student,

loophole is. I didn't think you would!" Samantha gave Nicholas a look of mock amazement. She prodded Shaun and said, "You should've let me

Hera was equally speechless.

leave that sort of work to someone else,"

a point." Samantha

subjected to their public display of affection Hera, thankfully, had

Samantha's behalf

If the race was unfair, we'll just have to race again," Hera suggested. All she wanted was to ride. She had no intention of dictating how the rest of their trip should go. Nicholas' eyes twinkled at the hope of a comeback.

thing he would do as commander was kick

thinking. He scoffed. He

about being commander, but they participated in the race for the

of them set out

them