Ash stood in the doorway and didnt enter the room, continuing to watch her from the frame. His glamour aura was hidden, carefully concealed, and his silver eyes were cold and blank. "Walk with me outside," he ordered softly, and hesitated for a moment before adding, "please."

She tensed, looking at him before walking with him.

The Winter prince led her out of the house and across the stream and through the meadow in silence. Fireflies hovered over the grass, turning the clearing into a tiny galaxy of winking lights, and a breeze ruffled their hair, smelling of pine and cedar. I realized I would miss this place. Despite everything, it was the closest to normal Id come in a long time. Here, I wasnt a faery princess, I wasnt the daughter of a powerful king, or a pawn in the eternal struggles of the courts. Tomorrow at dawn, that would all change.

"If youre going to release me," Ash murmured, the faintest tremor beneath his voice, "do it now so that I can go. Id rather not be here when you return to the Nevernever."


(It's now or never, Claire!!)

She nods, shuffling her feet, as she looks up at him. "About that... Grim was thinking that I should ask you to be my knight." She says, looking away.

He spun, eyes widening for the briefest of moments. For a few heartbeats, he stared at her, surprise and disbelief written across his face. He approached, coming to stand just a few inches away. Slowly, he reached for her hand, barely holding her fingers as his eyes met hers. "Are you sure?" he asked, so quietly the breeze mightve blown it away.

She nods, looking up at him.

Releasing her hand, he took a half step back, and then lowered himself to one knee, bowing his head.

She looks down at him.

"My name is Ashallyndarkmyr Tallyn, third son of the Unseelie Court." Though his voice was soft, it never wavered. There it was. His True Name. "Let it be known--from this day forth, I vow to protect Claire Chase, daughter of the Summer King, with my sword, my honor, and my life. Her desires are mine. Her wishes are mine. Should even the world stand against her, my blade will be at her side. And should it fail to protect her, let my own existence be forfeit. This I swear, on my honor, my True Name, and my life. From this day on..." His voice went even softer. "I am yours."

She smiles down at him.