Chapter 1149:

Elyse watched him go, a faint sigh escaping her lips. He was truly a sight to behold on his horse; very skilled—that much she could admit.

At that moment, the riding coach appeared, leading a miniature horse.

Elyse stared at the creature, almost disbelieving. It looked tiny compared to the other horses. “I didn’t know there was a breed this small.”

“This one’s a miniature horse. It’s specifically bred as a companion animal, so you have nothing to worry about. Children usually ride them, but given your skill level, this is your safest choice.”

Elyse’s emotions were all over the place. Relieved that the horse would be harmless, she still wondered if it was real riding practice if her feet nearly touched the ground.

The coach placed the reins in Elyse’s hands. “Spend some time with him so you get used to each other. The more familiar he is with you, the less chance there is of him startling.”

Elyse fixed her eyes on the miniature horse as it pranced, its tiny hooves creating a steady rhythm. It was lively.

When Edward looped back, he breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Elyse mounted on the small horse. “It’s perfect for you. You’ll be absolutely safe.”

She glared. “Leave me alone. Go ride over there; you’re getting in the way of me bonding with him.”

Edward chuckled. “Bonding, is it? Well, hopefully, he doesn’t decide to bond with you by crushing you. If you’re in trouble, just scream. Good luck.”

Riding had always been Edward’s passion. Once on a horse, nothing could make him dismount. He realized his lack of skill hindered his enjoyment.

Masking her guilt, Elyse waved him off dismissively. “Go have fun. Stop hovering while the horse and I are getting acquainted. He won’t come near me if there’s an intruder.”

Edward threw an amused glance at the miniature horse. It seemed rather dull, but a fitting companion for Elyse.

Elyse leaned back, her fingers softly combing through the horse’s mane. The creature relished the gentle attention, lowering itself and settling comfortably at Elyse’s feet.

To be honest, Elyse wasn’t really interested in riding, but she stayed longer for Edward.

As she sat, her gaze wandered to the far end of the stable. A figure was astride a black horse, his face covered by a black mask.

Elyse shot up, the miniature horse following closely behind.

“Can you help me find him?” she whispered. The miniature horse neighed softly.

Elyse took that as a positive answer, mounted the horse, and headed toward the figure. . . .