It was not Soraya’s first kiss, but it was the first that she did not attempt to end. Suddenly, she felt something cooling, like a gentle splash of water thrown over both of them. Then, the kiss just stopped, as if naturally, though his lips were still pressed on hers for a little more while.
Finally, Adrian tenderly eased her down onto the rough floor. He smiled at her, holding her left hand with his right, as he rested his weight on his bruised arm.
“That was you, wasn’t it?”
“The coolness that you have just felt? Yes.”
The princess looked at the stablehand somewhat suspiciously. He was smiling gently. It was the most heartfelt smile that she had seen from him so far. She did not know whether to be relieved or disappointed, but she was awed by his self-control.
“Did I make you wa
