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EPILOGUE
Christopher cast one more glance to where his family stood across the palace gardens before linking arms with Dash. He tried not to laugh as he said, “You didn’t have to push both of my brothers into the pond, you know. Jothen was the only one to actually say anything offensive.”
“Edgar was thinking things ten times more offensive than that snarky little comment Jothen made, and he was staring daggers at us both the entire time. Besides, it was an accident.” Dash opened the gate at the end of the lane and held it for them to pass through.
“You did do a very good job of making it look like one. I’m still not sure how you didn’t end up in the water yourself.”
“Years of physical training. Creating distractions was always my specialty.”
“Glad to see you’re finding uses for your skills.”
“It’s best they know from the start not to mess with me. And to stop treating you poorly.”
“They’ll forget all about us soon enough. They’ll have other concerns after tomorrow,” Christopher said, thinking of the big surprise in store for his entire family when Renn came into the throne room and made his petition.
“They certainly will. I can’t say I wanted them at our mate vow anyway.”
Christopher looked up at his mate. “Are you sure you don’t want to wait a few more days? Maybe see how things go tomorrow? I’m sure Thorne could be persuaded to stay a bit longer.” Thorne and his mate would be arriving from the Red Temple the following evening, and they’d planned their mate vow ceremony for two days after Renn made his petition.
“I’d have it today if Thorne were already here,” Dash said, putting his arm around Christopher and grinning down at him.
“Things might be chaotic for a little while. Especially if my father takes a long time making his decision.”
“That’s something we can’t control. Renn and Simon seemed to like the idea of having it so soon after he makes his claim. It’ll be the perfect public event for him to make his debut at.”
Christopher laughed. “Hisdebut? He’s not a princess who’s come of age.”
“You know what I mean. The people love you. A public affirmation of your support of Renn will help his cause. Establish your relationship more firmly.”
“The ultimate decision lies with my father, though. Public opinion won’t enter into it.”
“But it won’t hurt to start working on Renn’s behalf. Either way, the people liking him will be a good thing.”
“True.” Christopher leaned into Dash more. “I’m happy he and Simon have worked things out.”
“I told you leaving them alone would do the trick. I heard them working things until nearly dawn last night.”
Christopher tried not to laugh as his face grew warm. “They’re definitely making up for lost time, but let’s talk about something else.”
“If you insist,” Dash said with an exaggerated sigh.
“Yes, I insist,” Christopher said.
“How about how happy I am we’re going to take the mate vow?”
“I think we’ve already covered that. Extensively.”
“Hmmm. Maybe I need to find a new way of communicating how happy I am,” Dash said as he began leading Christopher away from the main road.
“And why do we need to venture off into the woods to do that?” Christopher asked, ducking under a tree limb.
“I’m yours to command, but I think it would be a bit scandalous to fuck you on one of the busiest roads in the city.”
“Who says you’re going to be fucking me?” Christopher said as he pulled Dash to a halt and pushed him up against a tree. “I’d say it’s time for you to stand and deliver.”
“That’s a terrible joke, my love,” Dash said.
Christopher paused in unfastening Dash’s belt. “I can stop if you like,” he whispered.
Dash yanked his belt open with one hand and slid Christopher’s hand into his trousers with the other. “Not on your life,” he said before capturing Christopher’s mouth.
Christopher sighed into the kiss as all the uncertainties of the future faded away. With this man at his side, he was ready for anything.
