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

her “sister,” she knew.

bring herself to

refused to accept that this woman

of him with anyone else

doing this, Lia,”

to Grace, his expression cooled notably. “Mind Thalia’s instructions.

smile

Thalia said, leading Snow.

Grace followed.

side,” Thalia instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing your

Grace as she

proper riding attire,

a walk, holding the reins

she asked, looking up at Grace.

from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet act.

eyes

bothered by the

natural than forced

beginners,” Thalía explained. “Sit straight in

she said, handing them

back. Just release the

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Chapter 26

and

said warmly. “She’s very gentle–you’re

I?” Grace’s tone

here,” Thalia assured her. “Nothing will happen.”

was enigmatic. “How

against her sides. The more pressure,

the pressure

Thalia asked.

“Quite,” said Grace.

from their

was

continued explaining riding basics, Grace wasn’t

holding the reins, she

unaware, asked, “Ho

are

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