“Mila…” he called my name tenderly. It felt like a warm flame had stroked its way along my arms when the prince traced a line softly up my arm. Every muscle in my body was in pain and I ended up wincing and retreating from his touch as I struggled to find my voice. “Does it still hurt?” he asked with concern. Yes, it does! It hurts…everywhere! “I…I’m fine…” I replied in a faint whisper while still looking away from him. I could feel his body heat against my back for a moment before the bed shifted under us when the prince sat up. He breathed out a long sigh and I wondered what he was thinking. “You don’t have to lie for my sake…” he said calmly. I felt his hand on the small of my back and then his other hand caressed my bare shoulder softly. His touch felt so hot on my skin,

