Benjamin chose a white horse slightly smaller than the rest for Arissa. “Take this one.”
She nodded. After the manager led the horse out of its stall, Benjamin began showing her the ropes. “Pet it here. Get to know it a little.”
Mimicking him, she caressed the horse's muzzle. It was docile indeed and appeared to enjoy being petted by her. It even nuzzled her palm affectionately.
Giggling, she remarked, “It looks happy, doesn't it?”
Benjamin's thin lips curved into a smile when he saw how delighted she looked. “It probably likes you a lot! Do you want to try and mount it?”
“Okay!” Arissa responded eagerly. Holding onto the saddle, she put one foot into the stirrups and hoisted herself onto the horse nimbly.
Benjamin had wanted to help her up but was surprised when he saw her positioning herself on the horse. He teased, “I didn't expect you to be so skilled.”
She laughed and countered, “I may not be very good at horseback riding, but it's not like I've never done it before. I do still know how to mount a horse. Hurry up and lead your horse over.”
“That can wait,” he said. Taking the reins, he guided Arissa's horse a short distance. After ensuring everything was fine, he passed her the reins and reminded her, “Don't go too fast. Just let it walk along like this. Oh, and don't hit its rump!”
She gazed down at him as she sat atop the horse's back. “Got it. Hurry along, then. I'll wait for you.”
He nodded, then turned and instructed the manager to bring out his horse. “Go and bring Black Wind.”
Immediately after that, he fixed his gaze on her again.
Amused, she got her horse to stand still and said, “I don't know how to ride, so I won't dare to do anything funny. You don't have to keep watching me.”
After all, tumbling down from the back of a horse is rather painful.
Benjamin merely glanced at her. He waited for the manager to bring out his horse, swung himself onto it, then started riding next to her.
Arissa's eyes widened when she noticed the horse was the spirited steed she had seen earlier. It had not been that obvious inside the stable, but now that the horse was outside, she could see it was very tall and muscled. It also had a bright, glossy coat.
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When are you going to up date this novel? Or can you tell me where I can finish reading it....