#Chapter 21: The Childhood Friend

“Back off, Amber,” Miles says before I can even think to open my mouth in defense of myself. “She’s obviously injured.” “She should be on her own horse,” Amber says to him, even as her sneering gaze stays on me. “Hers is that spooked horse than ran all the way up the path. Maybe you’d like to go get it for her?” Miles says smartly, his words cut and sarcastic. Amber finally looks at him. “Must you tend to every stray that wanders to you?” “We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot,” I say, striving for peace. My body aches and my ankle is throbbing, but the last thing I need is more people hating me for reasons I can’t control. “Perhaps we should introduce ourselves.” “Esther,” Miles says, taking control. “This is Amber. She’s a childhood friend of mine. As she’s spectacularly good at sticking her nose into places it doesn’t belong, it shouldn’t startle you at all to learn she’s a reporter.” “I prefer journalist,” Amber says, lifting her chin. “Now tell me who this is…”