Her spirits dimmed and she looked around. She wasn’t home anymore. She could never go home. This was her life now. Her eye caught Damien’s just as the door opened and Jorgen walked in.

“One of the families here in Riveram has a loft that two of you can share. Another family has offered their stable. Lord Maris, I would like to offer you and your wife my own home for the night.”

“And where will you sleep?” Damien asked.

“In my stable. It’s clean and dry, but small.”

Selene almost expected Damien to protest. It seemed to be his nature to serve everyone else. Instead, he bowed his head. “Thank you, Jorgen.”

The older man made his way through the crowded cabin and opened the chest next to his sleeping mat. He pulled out a faded quilt and cloak, then stood. “Here,” he said, extending the blanket to Damien. “It’s not much, but it should cover the both of you.”

Selene’s heart leapt into her throat. She wasn’t completely ignorant of all that a marriage entailed, but her parents did not share a bedchamber—not to mention a bed. And it was her understanding that was the usual way for every Great House. Was House Maris different? Did Damien expect her to sleep beside him?

Her stomach clenched even harder at the thought, and her hastily eaten dinner threatened to come back up.

“The rest of you may come with me, and I will show you where you will be staying for the night.” Jorgen bowed to Damien. “Grand Lord Maris, good night.” He glanced at Selene and continued his bow. “My lady.”

Selene tried to nod but found herself frozen in place.

Taegis came up to Damien’s side as the other men exited the cabin. “I will be sleeping outside Jorgen’s cabin,” he said quietly. “We might be in our own lands now, but I will feel better once we reach Northwind Castle. Especially with this talk of highwaymen.”

“Thank you, Taegis. I would join you, but I think it would be an offense to Jorgen’s hospitality and generosity.”

“I agree. Good night, Lord Damien.”

“Good night, Taegis.”

Taegis turned and caught sight of Selene. He bowed his head. “Good night, my lady.”

“Good night.” Her voice cracked halfway through her words. She swallowed, but her mouth was dry.

Taegis left, closing the wooden door behind him. Silence descended upon the cabin, only broken by the soft crackle of the fire.

2

I know what you’re thinking, and I want to put you at ease. You’ll have the sleeping mat, and I’ll sleep over here by the table.”

Selene turned.

The orange glow from the fire lit up Damien’s face. Stubble graced his jaw and twin pinpoints of light shone from within his dark blue eyes. “I felt it was best to let Jorgen know why you are traveling with us. It is better for people to know the truth than to speculate. You are a lady, and I will not let your reputation be tarnished in any way. But”—he raised a hand and rubbed the back of his neck—“this . . . marriage bonding . . . is new. Neither of us was expecting it. I think it is best to figure this out before . . .” He coughed and looked away.