The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 220

Chapter 220

Lylah’s POV

My breath caught.

I stepped closer, drawn as if pulled by some invisible tether.

Mina-so like Nyx-stood there, as if the past had risen from memory.

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“My grandmother was a skilled rider,” Cora began, her voice casual, but her eyes glinting with something sharp. “She rode into battle twice, and her horse never faltered.” Her gaze shifted to me, piercing. “Lylah, Father told me you rode too. Surely they gifted you a horse as well?”

No.

Nyx had been mine from the moment she was a foal, a gift from Grandma alone. Eldric and Daia despised. seeing me move beyond their narrow definition of a daughter, and when I dared defy them, they tore Nyx from my life.

The same Eldric and Daia who had locked me in a barn for daring to ride had now seen fit to gift a horse

to her.

“And everyone,” Griselda snapped, striding forward, venom in every syllable, “that’s what a true gift looks like. Not from your mate-oh no, his fortune could never measure your worth—but from your parents. Being born to high status far outshines any pitiful wealth bought through mating, doesn’t it?” Her eyes flicked to me, razor-sharp.

I paid her no mind. My gaze was fixed on Mina-perfect, exquisite, every movement a reflection of Nyx.

“Orion, the whip,” Cora commanded.

I froze.

“I’m going to ride her today,” she said, eyes flicking toward Rowan’s seat. He was already watching.

“No!” I shouted, voice sharp, claws digging into my palms. “You cannot use a whip! Are you insane?”

“Lylah,” Cora said smoothly, lips curling upward, “are you going to tell me how to handle my own horse? I am the owner. I decide how she is treated.”

“That doesn’t mean you have the right to hurt her,” I growled, moving closer, my wolf rising in silent fury,

Her smile only widened, savoring my helplessness. Orion had finished securing the saddle, and at her stretch, he placed the whip into her hand.

“Really?” Cora’s eyes glittered with vicious amusement as they locked with mine. “Let’s see how wrong you really are.”

She swung herself onto Mina, settling into the saddle with lethal grace. Her grip on the whip tightened. I felt my pulse spike, claws aching to tear through the tension.

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Chapter 220

The first crack of the whip split the air, Mina whinnying in sharp, pained protest.

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“Cora! Stop!” I bellowed, voice echoing across the arena. “Stop! Now!”

“Step back, Lylah,” Griselda said, her voice a knife. “Know your place. Only Lady Cora decides how her beast is treated.”

“Beast?!” I snarled, teeth bared. “That isn’t a beast-it’s a foal, barely grown! If Cora treats her like that, Mina won’t obey-she’ll fight!”

Griselda scoffed. “Oh, as if you ever rode before.” Her friends cackled.

“Hyah!” Cora jerked the whip with a sharp crack.

It lashed across Mina’s flank, and the mare bolted, hooves pounding like war drums against the arena floor, her tail streaming behind her like black smoke.

Cora didn’t ease up, driving her onward as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, praising what they called “bravery.” My chest tightened, a wolfish ache of fury clawing at me. Mina had borne her on her back obediently for only a heartbeat before instinct and fear began to flare.

“This is far too simple,” Cora called over the din, her voice smooth and melodic, yet laced with a cutting edge. “I told you all-she is obedient. Mina recognizes me as her rightful master and yields entirely to my will!”

No sooner had the words left her lips than Mina reared violently, her front hooves cleaving the air, almost sending Cora tumbling from the saddle.

The mare then surged forward like a living tempest.

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