The next morning, I awoke to a call outside my tent. I was startled when I felt Amarisa's soft body entangle with mine. Then I remembered what happened last night. I watched the princess sleep with her long black lashes cast over her rosy cheeks. She must have been exhausted after hiding inside that cramped carriage all day. Pity filled my heart, and I leaned to kiss her forehead.

"Nikita!" Atith's voice cried. "Are you awake?"

"Yes, give me a moment," I replied.

I slowly removed myself from the arms of my sleeping lover and then rose from the bed.

"Nikita?" Amarisa sleepily murmured.

"Shhh..." I hushed her. "Stay here,...