"You are unusually quiet, Your Highness. Did the duel shock you that much?"
After more than a day spent on the road back to The North, Tillian could not help but worry that Aideen would be exhausted, or worse, fall ill. However, the princess adamantly refused to stop and rest at an inn, convincing him that she was eager to return to the castle.
Most of the time, she remained serious and quiet, forgoing much food or sleep, her mind lost in silent introspection. No longer able to conceal his growing concern, Tillian gently covered Aideen's hands with his right hand and slid his thumb over her cold, soft skin, allowing the warmth of his own flesh to seep into her body. A faint smile graced the princess's lips, but it vanished instantly as a sudden realization troubled her already restless mind.
