Serena prayed silently that this horse would cooperate with her. This was one she had not ridden, a young stallion who was hellbent on embarrassing her.
"Come on now," she murmured, tugging lightly on the reins. The beast jerked its head sideways and stomped a hoof in clear protest. Serena bit her lip and resisted the urge to glare at it. A soft chuckle came from behind her, drawing her attention.
Amara sat astride a dappled grey mare, dressed in sleek riding leathers that gleamed faintly in the morning sun. Her cloak was pinned with a subtle silver clasp bearing Dawnbreak's insignia, her dark hair tied back in a practical braid.
"If I may?" she asked, gesturing toward the stallion.
Serena hesitated, pride bristling, but she finally nodded. "If you think he will heed you then yes, go ahead."
