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 sister–in–law.

her

bring herself

this woman would

thought of him with anyone else

this,

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

brother.” Grace’s smile was pure

Thalia said, leading

Grace followed.

instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing

supported Grace as she mounted. “Careful now.”

proper riding attire, Grace’s athletic wear would suffice.

at a walk, holding the reins from

asked,

facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet act.

vanished, eyes

bothered by the attitude

felt more natural than forced friendliness.

is crucial for beginners,” Thalía explained. “Sit straight in the saddle.”

the reins,” she said, handing them to Grace.

forward, don’t pull back. Just release

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Chapter 26

and

is Snow,” Thalia said warmly. “She’s very gentle–you’re quite

Grace’s tone

right here,” Thalia assured her. “Nothing will

enigmatic.

her sides. The more

release the pressure once she’s moving.”

enough?” Thalia

“Quite,” said Grace.

distance from their starting

was out

riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening.

holding the reins, she concealed a brooch she’d removed earlier.

unaware, asked,

are

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