Snow’s sunshine.
His light in the darkness.
Vor was alive.
Orit was a dream Snow never wished to be awoken from. Either way, his mate was returned to him and he was never letting go. Sobs rose up Snow’s chest, and Vor hugged him tighter.
“It’s okay, my little prince… I’m here,” Vor whispered against his ear before pressing a kiss against the spot his earlobe met neck. “I’m here.”
“Thank heavens,” Snow whispered back. He leaned back. “But how?”
Vor shrugged. “I couldn’t say. The last thing I remember is the fight… sinking my axe into the wizard and the power surging through me… and then you and I in the chapel, tasting your sorrow on my lips.”
“Perhaps that’s what did it,” Hwa said. “Snow’s kisses brought you back to life.”
“Mayhap,” Vor said, appearing unable to take his gaze off Snow. “His lips have always made me feel more alive.”
Snow lifted himself to capture Vor’s lips. If that was what had brought Vor back, Snow would kiss him as often as possible to ensure he never left again. Vor grasped the back of Snow’s head and deepened the kiss, growling.
A moan escaped Snow’s lips. He was more than ready to show Vor how much he was missed. Someone cleared their throat, breaking the seductive spell. Snow peeked out from where he held on to Vor for dear life. His father stood at the foot of his bed, one noble brow held aloft.
“Father,” Snow murmured, his cheeks growing warm. “Have you been introduced to my mate?”
“We’ve spoken. Briefly,” his father said, no hint of pleasure on his face.
Snow eyed Vor for a second before refocusing on his father. “I hope you two can get better acquainted.”
“We will. Hopefullybeforeyour mating ceremony,” his father said grimly.
“Our mating ceremony?” Snow asked, his gaze whipping to Vor’s.
“My physician came to examine you after you passed out,” the king said. “He asked if it were possible you were with child.” The king’s stare moved to Vor. “And your mate’s expression implied therewasa chance.” His father’s stern gaze landed back on Snow. “You shared a heat… so we must rush a ceremony to haveyou properly mated in case a child grows in your womb even now.”
Snow’s cheeks warmed, but he fought a smile at the same time. He peeked at Vor and found a similar smile reflected back at him. His heart soared at the sight. Vor caressed his cheek and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
“Thankfully he’s a nobleman and not the peasant you told me he was,” the king said next.
“A nobleman?”Snow spat, his gaze flying to Vor’s.
Vor winced, shaking his head.
“Youliedto me.”
Vor’s cheeks warmed to a deep red. “I told… a fib.”
Snow scoffed.
“I was the seventh son, Snow. My father had more heirs than he could ever need. I meant nothing to him,” Vor said. “I was treated little better than the servants. And it wasn’t as if my title meantanythingin that cottage.”
“But this means you’re of noble blood.No onecould argue our mating wasn’t legitimate,” Snow said happily. “There’s nothing to stop us now.”
Pain tightened over Vor’s expression. “My handsaredirty, Snow. Of that, I did not lie.”
“We should go,” Shen said, waving everyone out, including Snow’s incredulous father. “Let these two have a moment to speak in private.”
From the look on Shen, Hwa, and Owan’s faces as they walked out, Snow grew worried. Once they were alone, Vor sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging. Tears glistened in Vor’s eyes when he lifted his gaze.
“The wizard had a good reason to imprison me, Snow.”
