Ilona felt the warmth of Mason's large body over hers. His muscular back was pressed to her chest, pinning her against the tree but shielding her from the threat of Pierce Vane's blade. He was on his knees and she was crouched awkwardly behind him, working to keep herself from falling.
"So," Vane questioned him, "What will it be, your majesty? Save yourself? Or die right along with her?"
Mason was quiet for a moment before he slowly shook his head. "I feel sorry for you, Vane... It's obvious now that you've never loved or been loved by anyone... Otherwise you would know how pointless your question is."
Ilona felt her heart swell in her chest. She had already known Mason wouldn't leave her, just as she never would have left him, but his words still filled her with even more love for him.
