Annelise would have been glad to sleep through the morning, but her husband woke her before the dawn. It was dark and cold in the tower chamber, for the fire had burned down to embers. Their nest within her cloak already chilled with his absence. She reached for him in the darkness, but he evaded her touch and continued to dress.
“It is time to leave,” he said with resolve.
Annelise propped herself up on her elbows and gazed around the small tower room. As romantic as their time in this place had been, it was easy to yearn for the luxury they had enjoyed previously at the palace. “This place lacks somewhat in comfort. Could we sleep at the palace tonight?”
Her spouse’s lips thinned as he dressed with haste. “No. I dare not return there.”
That statement captured Annelise’s attention and
