Joanne’s POV
The mountains looked so far away from where we stood. From a distance, they were just gray shapes carving into the sky, but I knew once we got close, they would be twice as big. I’ve never been that close to mountains before; I’ve always only seen them from a distance.
I’ve daydreamed about what it would be like to escape to the mountains on many occasions. But I never thought I’d ever get to experience it for myself.
Alexander helped me up onto his horse first, settling me in front of him like it was the most natural thing in the world. His arms wrapped around my waist, steady and warm despite the icy wind cutting through the camp.
Some soldiers rode behind us, but a few were on foot, weapons strapped to their backs as they trekked slowly up the narrow path. The closer
