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.

16:14

Chapter 26

her

should call her “sister,”

couldn’t bring herself

accept that this woman

thought of him with

you for doing this, Lia,” Asher said

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

smile was

with me,” Thalia said,

Grace followed.

Thalia instructed patiently. “Left foot

she

in proper riding attire, Grace’s athletic

a walk, holding the

feel?” she asked, looking

Grace dropped her

vanished, eyes

bothered by

natural than forced friendliness.

beginners,” Thalía explained.

she said, handing them to

pull back. Just release

16-14

Chapter 26

instructions, and Snow obligingly moved forward.

Thalia said warmly. “She’s

Grace’s tone was odd.

Thalia assured

enigmatic.

continued: “To increase speed, use leg pressure against her sides. The more pressure,

the pressure once she’s moving.”

enough?” Thalia

“Quite,” said Grace.

some distance from their starting

was out of

continued explaining riding basics, Grace

the reins, she concealed

asked,

are

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255