From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62

The three of us mounted our horses and began making our way into the forest. I rode alongside Caelan while Blair followed slightly behind us.

Blair’s voice broke the peaceful silence. “Sable, your riding posture is absolutely beautiful. Like a professional equestrian.”

I glanced back at her with surprise. “Thank you.”

“Could you possibly give me some pointers? I’ve been wanting to improve my technique.”

I gestured toward the path ahead. “There are certified trainers back at the center. They’d be much better qualified than me.”

Blair’s voice took on a vulnerable quality. “Oh, but I’m not comfortable with strangers having to adjust my posture and positioning. I can only accept guidance from family members.”

She smiled warmly. Since you’re about to become my sister-in-law, we’re practically family already.”

I glanced at Caelan uncertainly.

“Sabi, would you be willing to help her? Only if you want to. No pressure.”

I considered the request. Blair would be my sister-in-law soon. We’d be attending family gatherings and pack functions together for years to come. Building a better relationship seemed wise.

Even if my instincts screamed warnings.

“Alright. I can show you some basics.”

Blair’s smile could have powered the entire forest. “Thank you so much!*

Caelan’s expression grew serious as he addressed Blair directly. ‘Listen carefully to everything Sable tells you. Don’t try to show off or push beyond your comfort level.

He turned to me, his voice carrying absolute sincerity. “If anything feels wrong, use the mind-link immediately. I’ll be there in seconds.”

Blair’s eyes went wide with shock. The emotion flashed across her features before she could control it.

But Blair recovered quickly, her smile returning with practiced ease. ‘Don’t worry, brother. I’ll take excellent care of Sable.”

She waved him away with playful impatience. “Go catch up with the others before they think you’ve gotten lost. We’ll be fine here.”

Caelan hesitated for a moment, then spurred his horse forward. “Be careful.”

His black stallion disappeared down the forest trail, hoofbeats fading into silence.

I dismounted and moved to Blair’s side, ready to help with her positioning and technique.

‘Let’s start with the basics.” I reached up to adjust her leg position. “The key is balance and communication with your horse.”

I guided her through proper posture adjustments, checking that her feet were secure in the stirrups and her seat was balanced.

“How does that feel?” I asked, moving to walk alongside her mare as we began practicing.

“Fine.” Blair’s response was clipped, almost cold.

The enthusiasm from moments before had evaporated completely. She stared straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact.

I tried again. “The reins should rest lightly in your fingers. You want to maintain contact without pulling.”

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‘I know.”

If you feel unsteady at any point, just say something. We can stop and readjust.”

Blair’s fingers drummed against the leather reins with obvious impatience. I said I’m fine.”

The shift in her attitude was jarring. Minutes ago, she’d been warm and grateful. Now she radiated hostility.

I continued walking beside her horse, offering guidance and corrections. But Blair’s responses grew shorter and more dismissive with each instruction.

What changed? Why is she acting like this?

From deeper in the forest came the sound of birds taking sudden flight. Their cries echoed through the trees like warnings.

I looked toward the darker areas between the oak trunks, where shadows seemed to shift and move.

Something felt wrong. But I couldn’t put my finger on what.

The sooner we finished this awkward lesson and caught up with the others, the better.

“You know what, Sable? I think I’ve got the basic techniques down completely.” Her voice carried newfound assurance. “This is easier than I thought it would be.

I glanced up at her. “Riding takes time to build trust with your horse. We should stick to the basics and not rush-”

“Oh, please.” Blair laughed, cutting me off. She reached forward to pat the mare’s neck. “I’ve always been naturally good with animals. See? She already trusts me completely.”

She looked ahead down the trail. “Could we try a faster pace? I’d love to catch up with Caelan and surprise him.”

I frowned. “Blair, I really recommend more practice with basic positioning. Faster gaits require-

“I’m more talented than you think, Sable.” Her tone cooled noticeably. She paused, her expression growing complex. “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

Before I could respond, she ignored my advice entirely.

Come on, beauty.” Blair’s heels nudged the mare’s flanks. ‘Let’s go find Caelan.”

That’s when everything went wrong.

A sharp, piercing bird cry cut through the forest from somewhere deep in the trees. Then something moved fast through the underbrush. Rustling. Crashing.

Blair’s chestnut mare went rigid instantly. Her ears flattened back against her skull. The whites of her eyes showed.

“Wait, something’s not right- I started.

The mare’s hind legs kicked out. Her front hooves shot into the air as a terrified whinny tore from her throat.

‘Blair! Grab the reins! Lean forward!” I shouted.

But the horse was already bucking wildly. Her back arched. Her head whipped side to side as she tried to dislodge her rider.

“What’s wrong with her?” Blair’s voice cracked with panic. “I can’t control her!”

Time slowed to a crawl.

Blair’s hands scrambled for the saddle’s front edge. But the mare’s movements were too violent. Blair’s body began sliding toward the right.

Her left leg tried desperately to grip the horse’s side. But then within second, her hand lost its hold.

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Chapter 62

Her body spun unnaturally in the air.

Then came the sickening thud.

Blair’s head struck a granite boulder jutting from the forest floor with brutal force. Blood exploded across the gray stone.

She collapsed in a twisted heap. Motionless.

The mare continued her terrified flight deeper into the woods, her hoofbeats fading.

Terror shot through my chest like electricity. I rushed to Blair’s side, dropping to my knees.

“Blair? Blair! Can you hear me?”

My fingers found her neck. Weak but steady pulse.

The head trauma was severe. Blood streamed from behind her ear. My heart sank as I assessed the damage.

I mind-linked Caelan immediately. “Caelan! Blair’s seriously injured! Forest trail near the big oak! Get here now!”

I fumbled for my phone with one hand while keeping the other on Blair’s pulse.

Emergency medical at the riding center? We need immediate support…”

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