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“Maybe.” He turned to Dash. “That why you’ve been so preoccupied?”
“Yeah. I’m curious, plus I’m wondering what the future holds for all of us.”
“Even if our father denies Renn’s petition, we won’t give up. The petition will be made openly in court, on the day when the king typically hears pleas and petitions. Word will spread fast, and maybe we’ll find some more allies.”
“I’m not sure what I’d think if the news of a dragon shifter making a claim for the title of crown prince reached me.”
“Would you be afraid?”
“I’d be concerned about the potential for war. Not exactly afraid, though.”
“Were you ever anything besides a highwayman?”
“Not officially. I’m not afraid of hard work. I’ve been a day laborer. I can mend fences and help raise barns without much guidance. I’m good with my hands if there’s someone to show me what to do.”
“You are good with your hands,” Christopher said, smiling over at him.
“And it’s paid off. Now I have a prince to keep me in style.”
Christopher laughed. “I hope to learn from you. There’s a lot of work we could do for the people.”
“I’m up for anything you want me to teach you. I’d enjoy working alongside you.”
“Good, because we aren’t going to be sitting around. There’s a lot to do.”
“I hope I make you proud. Make you see the good man under the scoundrel.”
Christopher slowed his horse, and they both stopped. He reached over to take Dash’s hand. “I objected to the stealing, not to you. I’ve never thought you were a bad man, and you certainly aren’t a scoundrel. I just thought what you were doing was wrong. I’m incredibly proud of you already. You’ve changed your entire life for me. You’re riding of into the unknown simply because I’ve asked you to. And you’re trying to make amends in a way I never would’ve expected you to.” He squeezed Dash’s hand. “I’m very happy you’re my mate, Dash.”
Dash kissed his hand. “I know you are, but it’s wonderful to hear you say it.”
Christopher squeezed his hand once more before they set off again. After a few moments, he asked, “Do you still have your mask?”
“Of course.”
He licked his lips. “Good. I might get you to model it for me one day.”
“Just model it?” Dash asked, seeming to know what Christopher was suggesting.
“Yes. I’d like to see you in it.”
“Be careful, little prince. I’ll be demanding something besides your money.”
Christopher grinned back at him. “I’m counting on it.”
* * *
Dash sat in the corner of their room at the inn, as far from the windows as he could get. He stared at the wanted notice in his hand and couldn’t help being amazed at how accurate the artist’s sketch of him was. He wore his mask in the sketch, which was probably the only reason no one in town had called the constables yet, but he and Christopher had both stopped in their tracks when they’d seen the notice tacked up in the town square. Dash had scurried back to the inn while Christopher had waited for a chance to yank the notice down without being seen.
Christopher knocked three times, and Dash rose to unlock the door. His mate slipped into the room, a sack of supplies in his hand. He set the sack down and came over to Dash, giving him a long, hard look. “I’ll admit I miss the beard, but you’re still very handsome.” He snaked his arms around Dash’s neck and drew him into a kiss. He licked his lips after they parted. “Feels different.”
“You’ll get used to it much faster than I will,” Dash said. “I couldn’t do anything but stare at my reflection when I was done shaving.” He rubbed his cheeks and chin again. “I feel naked.”
“We’re lucky the witness encountered you when your hair was much longer. I’d probably butcher it if we had to trim it.”
Dash ran his fingers through his hair, still feeling a bit nervous about altering the color. “You sure about this?”
“Yes, I am.” Christopher began pulling items from his sack.
