Twill and Eveline had left to grab some supplies and Jaspen was yet to return. I was curled up against Sebastian, still slightly asleep. I felt one of his arms gently rest across my back.
"So what is your real name?" he asked as if sensing I was awake.
I looked up at him, drinking in his sharp, sculpted features.
"My full name is Sasha Thorn. I used Sasha when I first arrived here, but when I went back into the forest, I changed it back to Thorn."
He didn't say anything for a moment.
"Either way, your name is beautiful, she wolf."
I felt a flush rise in my cheeks. This was really the first time I remembered my cynical dragon complimenting me.
"Thank you."
"You know that prince isn't the only royalty around here don't you?"
I looked at him, confused. Who else could be?
"What?"
"I am. I'm the son of Crystilian herself."
I looked at him in awe. Why was he bringing this up now? Was he really that jealous of Jaspen?
"Why were you alone then?" I asked.
He sighed. Was he ready to tell me something about himself? I felt my tail twitch off the edge of the bed and my ears prickle. I had wanted to know about him since he rescued me the first time.
"The tale is mine to hold, she wolf," he said quietly.
I felt him tense, letting out a sad sigh as if waiting for a witty comment. For once, I didn't have one.
I propped myself up so I was looking down at him. I was drawn to him, yes. I felt lost without him the three days we had been separated. I just didn't know if he was my mate. We would certainly make an odd coupling.
"For one usually so feisty, you're quite content being so close today."
He moved my hair out of my face cupping my jaw gently as he partially sat up and kissed me. His lips were cold but soft, making my own buzz with energy. It was intoxicating. When he pulled away there was a playful smile on his lips.
"If you could only see your face right now," he said quietly.
I was still staring at him, blinking my eyes rapidly. Had that really just happened?
"Why?" I asked, bringing my fingers gently to my lips.
He smiled exposing his bright, perfect, sharp teeth. "It's hard to describe."
That smile. It was one of his sincere ones. I couldn't think.
"Surely I'm not your first kiss," he teased.
"No ..." I finally managed to stammer out.
"You were mine," he whispered.
His frost eyes danced with amusement.
"Never have I been so happy that I rescued someone. Never have I called in a storm to keep them just a bit longer. I know we infuriate each other. But never have I wanted someone to be mine as much as you."
My heart beat faster and the realization dawned on me. He had summoned that storm. He didn't want me to go as much as I didn't. Oh Sebastian. My Bash.
"Well, what do you say, Thorn?" he whispered.
"To what?"
He chuckled. "To being mine."
I looked into his frost eyes. Was he really asking permission to court me?
"Ay ... aye," I whispered.