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

couldn’t bring herself to use the

accept that this woman

thought of him with anyone else was unbearable.

you for doing this, Lia,” Asher

cooled notably. “Mind Thalia’s instructions. Do

brother.” Grace’s smile was pure

Thalia said,

Grace followed.

the left side,” Thalia instructed patiently. “Left foot in the

supported Grace as she mounted. “Careful now.”

in proper riding attire,

at a walk, holding the reins from the

it feel?” she asked, looking

from Asher, Grace dropped

eyes turning cold. “Fine.”

by

felt more natural than forced

crucial for beginners,” Thalía explained.

said, handing them to Grace.

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

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Chapter 26

followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly moved

Snow,” Thalia said warmly.

I?” Grace’s tone was odd.

assured

enigmatic.

speed, use leg pressure against her

the pressure once

enough?” Thalia

“Quite,” said Grace.

moved some distance from their starting point.

was out of

riding basics, Grace wasn’t

holding the reins, she

unaware, asked,

are

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