Still, it was pleasant to have her with him in the driver’s compartment. Except for the time they spent in bed, it was rare for them to be together without the presence of kindred, court, or family.

But looking at her, he noticed the dark smudges beneath her eyes . . . and the way she shivered despite being wrapped up in her winter cape.

“Why don’t you stretch out on the bed and get some sleep?” he suggested.

“No, I’m fine.”

She might be completely healed, but she hadn’t regained her physical stamina. He could see the toll the past two days had taken on her.

Scooping her out of the other chair, he returned to his chair and settled her on his lap.

“You’re driving,” Jaenelle said. “You have to pay attention.”

“I’ll pay attention,” he promised, wrapping his arms around her. She was right. The psychic pathways through the Darkness made it possible for the Blood to travel faster than they could otherwise, but inattention while riding the Winds could be fatal, and guiding even a small Coach demanded extra care. “Just rest. We’ll be back at the Hall a little after midday.”

Jaenelle rested her head against his shoulder. “I thought we were going to Amdarh.”

He hesitated a little too long.

She raised her head and looked at him, too much knowledge in her eyes.

“I’ll take care of things in Amdarh,” he said.

“No.”

She’d been born a Queen. Even though she no longer ruled a court, she was still a Queen—and she was still his Queen. He couldn’t prevent the instinctive desire to yield when Jaenelle gave him a direct command, but living in Kaeleer for the past year had shown him that males could, and did, dig their heels in and oppose the Queen they served when a command might put her at risk.

“I won’t come to harm,” he began.

“You’ve already been harmed,” she snarled.

His temper strained at the leash. “So far, whoever is playing this game has used nothing but words. Once the announcement of our intended marriage is made—”

“The game may turn physical. I’m aware of that.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“But you don’t think I can. Not having my full strength physically doesn’t make me weak.”

But you’re not as strong as you used to be—and we don’t really know how strong you are. “I’m aware of that.”

When she squirmed, he tightened his hold, thinking she was trying to move away from him. But she only freed her left hand from the folds of the cape and held it up.

“What does this ring mean, Daemon?”

“My promise to honor, cherish, and protect.”

“Besides that.”

He studied her face, trying to discern what she wanted him to say.