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

should call her “sister,” she knew.

bring herself to use the

accept that this woman would

him with anyone else

this, Lia,” Asher said warmly.

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

Grace’s smile was pure

with me,” Thalia said,

Grace followed.

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

as she

attire,

led Snow at a walk, holding the

she asked, looking

facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet

vanished, eyes turning cold. “Fine.”

by the attitude

felt more natural than forced

is crucial for beginners,” Thalía explained. “Sit

she said,

move forward, don’t pull back. Just release the tension click

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Chapter 26

followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly

Thalia said warmly. “She’s very gentle–you’re quite safe.”

Grace’s tone was

right here,” Thalia assured her. “Nothing will

enigmatic. “How reassuring.”

her sides. The more pressure, the faster she’ll go.”

the pressure

enough?” Thalia

“Quite,” said Grace.

from their

was

riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening.

reins, she concealed a brooch she’d

asked,

are

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