The journey continued, but this time, Althea rode with Gavriel on his horse all day. She sat in front of him, tense and uncomfortable, while his strong arms stayed wrapped around her. His hold was firm, almost too firm, and she could feel the warmth of his body through her back.

Every time the horse moved, she felt him behind her, silent and steady. The closeness made it hard to breathe, and her heart wouldn’t stop racing.

He hadn’t spoken to her since their kiss inside the carriage. Not ...