While on horseback, Althea couldn’t help but speak up. “You do know that riding together like this is a bit much, even for protection. Are you afraid I’ll run away?”

Gavriel’s voice dropped low, close to her ear. “Wouldn’t you?” he asked quietly, his arms tightening around her. “Wouldn’t you try to escape from me, Althea?”

“It’s not like I can escape from you, My King,” she replied with a soft sigh. “Didn’t you vow to find me even in hell if I tried? So tell ...