“’Tis a short ride, Gwen. I’d hoped the plaid would help.” He made the statement after he lifted her atop the saddle and noticed her grimace. Gwen gave him a look, one that let him know she didn’t appreciate being embarrassed. But he only smiled and settled behind her, one arm around her waist, the other holding the reins.

He rode toward the back of the keep and stopped atop the cliffs, looking to the sea for a long moment, before nudging his mount forward again. Halfway down the narrow path, he made a soft clicking noise and halted their descent. “Gwen?” He squeezed his wife’s midsection. “Gwendolyn?” he tried again.

“What?” she finally answered.

“Do you fear heights?” he asked.

“No,” she whispered.

“You shake, love, and your fingers dig into my arms. Something frightens you and I wish to know the cause.”

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“Nay.” He shook his head. “But you’ll tell me what troubles you.”

“I don’t want to go down there, Greylen. I…I don’t want to go down there.”

“Look at me, Gwen.” He waited for her to turn and then gently wiped her tears. “Don’t fear the water,” he said softly. “It brought you to me.” She started to say something, but he couldn’t hear the words, just the agony in her voice. He circled her waist and turned her in his arms.

She burrowed against him. “I love it here, Greylen,” she whispered. “I don’t want to go back.”

“I’ll never let you go, Gwen, and I swear to you, I will always keep you safe.” She only nodded and he kept her in his arms. She clung to him as they made their way down the path and as he slid from the saddle. Still she didn’t let go.

“You can open your eyes, love,” he whispered. “We’re far from the water.” His reassuring tone must have helped, for she finally lifted her head from his shoulder and slowly opened her eyes. ’Twas another full minute before she untangled her legs and he could lower her to the ground. But he continued to hold her, waiting until she was ready to let go.

She stood facing the cliffs, a massive wall alive with vegetation. Then turned to look down the beach, the entire shorefront cast aglow in the predawn light. Natural rock formations jutted from the sand and gentle waves washed upon the shore. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

Greylen smiled as he took her hand, then started down the beach. They walked a short distance before he spread the plaid and motioned for Gwen to sit. She removed her sandals and scooted to the center, where she sat hugging her knees. He removed his sandals as well, but sat facing her, his legs wrapped around her body. ’Twasn’t long before she graced him with a smile.