Despite Arlan's advice to relax, Oriana sat stiffly in the saddle, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as Arlan's powerful body nearly engulfed hers.
With each movement of the horse, her back brushed against Arlan's chest, his long legs touching hers, and his arms, meant to hold the reins, seemed to envelop her in a warm embrace. Despite the layers of clothing separating them, she could feel his warmth seeping into her cold body, causing her throat to dry up and her heart to race.
Attempting to create some distance between them, Oriana shrunk her shoulders and leaned forward, her delicate hands clutching the front part of the saddle tightly. However, Arlan, who was walking his horse instead of riding it as usual, easily sensed her discomfort and smirked lightly.
In the next moment, he reached out with one hand, pulling her back so that her back flattened against his chest, his hands remaining circled in front of her shoulders.
