Chapter 26

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

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

Thalia hesitated.

Hadn’t Grace just been insisting that only Asher should teach her?

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

Grace’s lips formed a slight pout. “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 wasn’t comfortable with such forced familiarity from someone she barely knew.

She glanced at Asher, seeking his input.

He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. “Lia, would you mind teaching her?”

He’d thrown the choice back to her.

Thalia considered carefully.

Grace was Asher’s sister, her future sister–in–law. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized. Now she seemed friendly enough.

Being naturally generous, Thalia preferred 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.

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Chapter 26

studied her future

her

herself to use

that this

him with anyone else

this,

Grace, his expression cooled notably. “Mind Thalia’s instructions. Do exactly as

brother.” Grace’s smile was pure

Thalia

Grace followed.

instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right

as she mounted. “Careful now.”

riding attire,

holding the reins from the ground.

feel?” she asked, looking up

Grace dropped her sweet act.

smile vanished, eyes turning cold.

bothered by the

natural

crucial for beginners,” Thalía explained. “Sit straight

reins,” she said,

back. Just

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Chapter 26

followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly moved

name is Snow,” Thalia said warmly.

tone was

Thalia assured her. “Nothing

was enigmatic. “How reassuring.”

leg pressure against her sides. The

to release the pressure once she’s

Thalia

“Quite,” said Grace.

from their

was out of sight.

riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening.

the reins, she concealed a brooch she’d removed

unaware, asked, “Ho

are

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