The morning air was biting cold now that winter had fully set in. Gavriel helped Althea into the carriage first, then stepped away to give further instructions to his men. She bit her lip as she watched him from the open carriage doors, his figure standing out against the pale morning light.

Her face reddened as she recalled her conversation with Melva earlier. The embarrassment from the mess she had caused the night before still lingered, making her cringe inwardly.

Perhaps she could make ...