Briar moved to step back, but Ashtine’s fist curled tighter in his tunic. “My heart,” she murmured, her brow pinching in sleep. “Hush, my dear,” he soothed, running a palm along her hair again, but he climbed atop the bed, never breaking contact with her. It took a moment, but he got himself positioned against the headboard, Ashtine’s head in his lap.
