Page 41 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“It seems you are stuck with two modes: full speed or nothing at all.”

“He doesn’t like me, that’s for sure,” Nate answered.

“Give him a little nudge with your foot at his ribs.”

Nate shifted in the saddle. “Uh…”

“Just a tap, gently.”

Nate flicked his heel against the horse’s body, and Phoenix finally took a few meandering steps forward before he fell in line behind Alexander.

“There you are. See, not so bad now. If you wish to slow him, just pull back on the reins. If he begins to canter, hold tight with your knees and lift up a bit in the saddle, otherwise you may end up quite sore.”

“Right,” Nate answered.

They made their way back to the stables to regroup with the others.

“Oh, Nate!” Victoria shouted as they joined them. “Thank heavens. I was worried you’d fall off.”

“He held on quite well,” Alexander answered. “And Elena managed to leap onto Phoenix’s back and slow him.”

“Thank you, Elena,” Victoria said, pressing a hand against her chest. “All right, get down from there.”

“No, we’re going riding,” Nate insisted.

“Nate, are you sure?”

“Come on, Mom. I want to go, too!” Maddie said.

“I just…think it’s been enough of a day already.”

“I have to learn,” Nate said, his insistence obvious through his tight jaw.

Victoria shot her eyebrows upward. “All right. If you insist.”

With the help of a groom, she climbedback into her saddle, and they set off again, with Elena leading the way, and Alexander taking the rear to watch the others ride.

They meandered around the property with no further incidents, arriving back at the stables and dismounting.

“You did wonderfully,” Elena said as she slid her arm through Nate’s on the walk back to the house. “I’m so proud of you for riding after that.”

“Oh, yeah? Good, I was terrified.”

“Were you? Why didn’t you say? We could have saved it for another time.”

“Because I didn’t want to give you another reason to doubt that I can fit in. I’ll learn to ride. I already talked to Alexander about going out again to learn more.” His features pinched as he made the promise.

She offered him a warm smile. “I have no doubts about you fitting in, Nathan. You will. It will take some time, but you will soon learn all the protocols. They will be second nature.”

He smiled at her as the house came into view.

“How about a ride on a horse that won’t throw you?” she asked.

Maddie twisted to grin at them, sliding a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear. “On the carousel?”

“Yes. Would you like to join us?”

Maddie nodded. “Mom, I’m going with Nate and Ellie.”

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