Atty leaned her forehead against his arm. The sapphire stone inset into the circlet dug into his skin, but he didn’t care. Gently he brushed away a tendril of sweat-soaked hair clinging to her cheek. “Are you ready?” he whispered.
“Ever since this morning,” she answered, lifting her face. Her confession sent a shot of adrenalin throughout his body. Every nerve went taut with expectation. For the umpteenth time, Yulen was glad of the patches of darkness that could help disguise his body’s intent.
Drawing his arm around her, Yulen began to lead her once more toward their tent. “No one’s going to come and snatch you away from me for another dance, are they?” he teased, but not without a serious undertone.
“No. Promise. No more dancing.”
“In public,” he added with a grin.
“In pu—
