48

Forty eight

*Freya*

As we made our way through the castle corridors, the weight of countless eyes bore into me. Servants and guards shamelessly gawked and whispered, their muted murmurs carrying the buzz of gossip. I just knew the other ladies would hear about it in no time. I fought the urge to shrink from their stares, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Rafe, however, didn't even care—his chin raised defiantly as we strode past the whispering throngs. I couldn't help but envy his nonchalance when people gossiped about him. My gut twisted as I imagined Kelly's furious face if she saw us in this position. She would probably have my head on a stake if she saw me.

I had told myself I didn't want to draw any attention to myself by being romantic with Rafe, but now that he was carrying me to his room like I was a prize he just won, I knew it was not possible.

At last, we reached the entrance of Rafe's bedchamber. The moment the door shut behind us, I tried to release myself from h