Serena gripped the reins tightly in her hands, leather digging faintly into her skin. The mare beneath her shifted impatiently, tossing her head and letting out a low whinny. Serena gave a quiet murmur and patted the horse's neck with uncertain fingers.
She could feel Livia's eyes on her, and when she looked, the other woman stood a few paces away with arms folded, watching like a hawk inspecting her work.
"I think I should come with you when you are ready," Serena suggested.
Livia gave a single shake of her head. "I'm much too busy for that. And I don't intend to babysit anyone tonight." Her gaze narrowed. "Besides, you've proven you love to talk."
"Ah," Serena breathed out, biting back the flush rising to her cheeks. She turned her face toward the horse and adjusted the reins again. The mare pawed at the ground, as if echoing Serena's own restless nerves.
