My promise lingers in the air, catching in the breeze and turning the chill of the night into something warmer, more comforting. Although I cannot see the Prince, I can feel him smile against my skin gleefully, as if that was the only thing he ever wanted. After a few moments, he pulls back, catching the chain of my ruby necklace between his slender fingers. I realise what he is about to ask a second before the words tumble out of his mouth.
"May I?"
Even if I had wanted to, the sweet compassion in his words make them hard to resist, washing over me with a lulling calmness that promises me no matter what, everything will be okay. Besides, I suppose there is no use in hiding any more. No matter how much I hate it, how exposed I feel, he is my mate, and I owe him that much. With a lingering reluctance at the thought of being so exposed, I lift my hair up carefully, giving him access to the clasp.
