"Of course," Rowan replied simply, his voice a warm, steady rumble. "You can start preparing for departure. We leave very early in the morning, long before the sun rises."
Delaney nodded. A massive wave of relief washed over her. She let out a small breath she had not realized she was holding.
They stood together in the quiet courtyard. The serious, heavy weight of the upcoming journey settled between them, but it was a shared weight now.
Delaney turned her head slightly. She looked past his broad shoulders, gazing at the long row of open stable doors. The Hamilton stables were a magnificent sight, built of clean gray stone and filled with some of the finest, most expensive horses in all of England. The rich, earthy smell of clean hay, polished leather saddles, and warm oats filled the morning air.
Rowan followed her eyes. He watched the way her gaze lingered on the beautiful animals resting in their stalls. He noticed the soft, curious expression on her face.
