Mina froze as the truth settled. The boy before wasn't just anyone    the sharp cut of his coat, the authority hidden behind shimmer of golden eyes framed by sleek, dark hair the crisp scent of winter clinging to him, undercut with worn leather carried across the space between them. He was handsome, almost distractingly so, but in a way that screamed untouchable.

The subplot villainess's adopted brother.

The king's son.

The futur Duke.

Elias Arlowe.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I know I'm supposed to be the villainess, but threatening the royal family? That's a bit much. 

Even for me.

I already chose to play evil, sure    but I was at least hoping to catch a glimpse of the heroine before everything went to hell. You know, the one all the male leads are supposed to drool over?

But wait   

Did he just ask how to improve?

"Why should I tell you how to ride, you insolent beast?"

Elias paused, the pride in his jaw briefly faltering. He looked like he was weighing how much of himself he could afford to lose.

"My Lady, forgive my impertinence. To keep my life, I'd appreciate any assitance."

Is he mocking me?

No. In the story, he was bullied for not measuring up. For being too soft. Too passive. It's plausible he's actually trying     even if that means asking me for help.

Me, the person he's supposed to hate most in the world. 

Seraphine.

Fine.

"Well, for starters: shift your pelvis forward, not back, shoulders up. Use your hips to rise from the saddle      stop gripping like you're trying to suffocate the horse with your knees. And your hands     thumbs on top of the reins, pinky like you're holding a teacup."

He didn't respond. Just did his best to follow along, quiet and focused. His seat.... wasn't awful. Not natural, but not hopeless either.

I guess I can help him once. I can't bear watch that poor mare's spine suffer another minute.

"I need to return to the residence. Just follow what I tolf you, and ask the trainer to work with you during his off hours. But Lord Elias   Stay out of my jumping field."

And with that, she turned Cookie around the jump and headed toward the mansion.

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Elias sat there, stunned.

She'd recognized him.

And more than that.... she helped him.

He shook off the chill running down his back and turned toward the training site.