“It meansYou are calm.”
“Tha thu socair,” he repeated perfectly, bringing a wide smile to both of their faces.
Next, she showed him how to stroke the horse’s neck and make a clicking sound. The instructor watched, baffled, and the governess, surprised.
Finally, she had him stand at the horse’s side, and instead of telling him to mount, she simply guided his foot into the stirrup, a supportive hand on his back, and ignoring the stool altogether.
“We can take our time,” she said. “We have nay where to be and nay rush at all. We will only go as fast as ye feel ready. Ye are in charge now.”
He didn’t hesitate this time, and with a grunt of effort, he swung his leg over.
He looked at Isla with a wide grin, his eyes shining in the bright sun.
The instructor, though clearly put out, said, “Perhaps you would care to join us, Your Grace?” as he strode toward them.
Isla smiled, an easy, genuine grin that lit up her face. “I would love to. Thank ye.”
For the next few minutes, Isla and Oliver rode together, the instructor’s lessons forgotten as they trotted through the grass, which had snow on it only days before.
“It is just like prancin’ about,” Isla said as they went on through the vast grassy field. “Let me show ye how to do a simple trot. Watch me movements and imitate them. I willnae lead you astray!”
“I think I can do that,” Oliver said. “Oh wait, I think this is a bit wobbly.”
The air was filled with Oliver’s excited giggles and Isla’s warm laughter as he tried his best to keep up. Yet for all his persistence, the horse was able to follow, and soon he was in a graceful stride in time with Isla.
“I did not know riding could be so fun!” Oliver said as he nudged the horse a little too hard, eager to push himself further.
The animal startled, let out a sharp whinny, and began to gallop frantically in the opposite direction they had been heading. Oliver’s face went white with terror, and he clung to the horse’s mane, his knuckles white.
“Oliver! Hold on!” Isla spoke out, trying not to yell to avoid spooking the horse anymore, spurring her own horse into a gallop. “I have got ye. Dinnae fash, keep yer composure and remain in control!”
She and the instructor raced after him then. The instructor rode parallel to the panicked horse, calling out commands in a sharp voice that Isla could barely register. She was focused on riding just behind Oliver, her voice a calm, steady counterpoint to the chaos.
“Oliver! Look at me! Hold on tight! Ye are safe, ye hear me? Ye are safe!”
She reached out and managed to grab the horse’s bridle, pulling it to a slow, steady halt. The instructor was there moments later, helping her calm the animal with a carrot. Oliver sat on the horse, trembling, his face streaked with hot tears.
Isla dismounted quickly and went to him, her arms outstretched. “Ye are a brave little rider,” she said, her voice filled with admiration. “Ye were so strong.”
He didn’t reply, but as soon as she helped him off the horse, he threw his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. Isla held him close, her own heart still thumping from the near disaster. She buried her face in his hair.
“Let us make our way back now to the ridin’ ring,” Isla said as she shot a wink at the instructor to head back.
I vow to protect this boy, no matter the cost.
“What in the devil was that?”Benedict roared, his voice like a crack of thunder.
He strode toward them from the edge of the riding ring, his face a mask of cold fury. He didn’t bother to slow down, his long strides eating up the distance between them.
He pointed a gloved finger at the still-trembling horse trainer. “Did you not see? You’re meant to be teaching him! He could have been seriously hurt!”
The instructor stammered, “Your Grace, I…I…”
“You will be dismissed if this ever happens again,” Benedict warned. Then his icy gaze landed on Oliver. “And you, young man! You will go to your room at once. You are to have no more riding lessons until I deem you ready to handle them.” Lastly, his eyes moved to Isla. “You… I do not even know where to begin with you.”
Oliver’s small face crumpled. “But Papa, it wasn’t her fault! Isla helped me! She made me feel brave, and I had fun for the first time!” He gestured toward Isla, his eyes pleading. “The horse just got a little scared. I know better now. I learned my lesson!”
Benedict’s face remained a stern mask. “That is enough. Go. Now.”
