Gavriel’s breathing was still rough when he finally pulled back from her lips. His weight pressed heavily on her, but he didn’t move right away. For a moment, it almost felt like he wanted to stay there, buried deep inside her warmth.
But then his expression shifted, hardening again. He slowly withdrew and rolled to the side, sitting up at the edge of the bed with his back to her.
Althea lay there catching her breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to read him. She couldn’t. His mood always changed too quickly.
At last, Gavriel spoke, his tone low but cold. “From now on, you can walk wherever you want in the North Palace. No one will stop you.”
Althea blinked, surprised. She pushed herself up on her elbows, studying him.
He didn’t turn to face her. Instead, he continued, “T
