She frowned. “Why aren’t you kissing me?” “I thought you might want to be asked first.” “That never stopped you before.” “This first time, I wanted to make sure you were … ready.” After Cairn and Maeve. After months of having no choices whatsoever. She smiled despite that truth. “I’m ready to be kissed again, Prince.” He let out a dark chuckle and muttered, “Thank the gods,” before he lowered his mouth to hers.

