As soon as Gavriel finished cleaning her, he washed up quickly, dressed in haste, and left the chamber. Althea watched him move with sharp, deliberate speed, as if he wanted to get away from her fast enough.

The sudden change confused her. Just moments ago, he had acted like he wanted nothing more than to keep her trapped in the bedchamber, making love to her endlessly.

With a small shrug, Althea pulled on a robe. The door opened just after Gavriel left, and Melva slipped inside, followed by ...