He woke me before the first slivers of light could come in. A soft knock at the door all that was needed to rouse him. With gentle hands he helped me back into my inner robe, handing me the outer as he quietly called for my ladies. I wasn’t quite ready for our embrace to end, the cold air feeling more empty somehow. I wanted to still be in his arms, and the lingering kiss he placed upon my lips didn’t help quell my desire. Still, he was right, without offering for me, I could not stay with him.
It was time to get back to reality, to the intrigue of the palace. But first, I needed a nap and then a nice long soak. The few ladies who had stayed the night also looked like they could use some more sleep. They were chattering among each other, excited to have met some of the islander men. I cou
