"Better rested," he sighs, content. "I did not mean to drift off, but with the sun and the sound of the waves, this rock..."

He is certain she will understand. He stretches his body and cringes slightly at the soreness that pulls at his muscles - though at least the pain in his groin from falling off the horse has mostly eased - and grunts.

"I think the only creature I would like to ride in the future is you," he drawls.