~ STARK ~
Every delay from leaving the Palace made my teeth grit tighter. I hadn't packed, so we hurried to my chambers for my things—and stared at each other for a long moment, considering not even waiting until we reached the cottage.
But even though I kissed her and Hildie grew breathless, she pulled out of the kiss and leaned her head into my chest.
"I don't want to do this here where any of the men might appear at the door. I want to be alone with you, Gabe. Truly alone."
I knew she was right, so I stuffed the last of my things into a bag, took her hand, and pulled her from the room.
We caught ourselves as we made our way through the castle—not that I would deny my wife… my wife!... before my men, but I wanted no further disruptions or delays. Our hours alone together were already ticking away. So we hurried through the palace looking stern to discourage interruption, and straight to the stables.
