No, she mouthed silently, gripping his shoulder. He froze, holding perfectly still; even his breath halted.
The rain began to ease, its rhythmic pattering on the carriage roof growing softer. The sound of Johanna’s boots crunching on gravel grew louder as she approached. There were many carriages, so the chance of her opening this one was slim. Still, there was a small chance they might be discovered.
“If we stay still, she won’t come this way,” Vlad whispered as Liliette fidgeted nervously.
“Shh, be quiet!”
She jumped, clamping her hand over his mouth, causing the carriage to jolt.
The sound of gravel crunching stopped abruptly. Liliette froze, her hand still covering his mouth. His breath tickled the edge of her palm, and she could see the amused glint in his eyes as he struggled to stifle a smile. She could feel his lips gently curving under her hand.
