Heidi held her breath, waiting for a reply.
From the moment this started, Grace had worn the same gentle smile—not too warm, not too cold. It was the kind of perfectly measured smile one earns through years of formal events and social training. To strangers, it was breathtaking. To those who knew her, it was her default setting—gracious, polished, but distant.
She kept her tone soft as she stroked Aube’s neck, but the motion wasn’t just affectionate—it was calculated. Her fingertips brushed under Aube’s chin, a familiar cue. As expected, the mare turned her head away—conveniently out of Heidi’s reach.
Heidi’s hand froze midair.
She thought it was just bad timing, until she heard Grace say sweetly, “Sorry, Aube’s got a bit of a personality. She doesn’t like anyone else riding her. I’d f
