He folded his hands casually behind his broad back, standing tall against the winter chill. "So..." he murmured smoothly. "...You came out here today to formally ask me to give Lin Wan back to you."
Wang met the King's golden gaze without flinching or backing down. "Yes. I have come to bring my mate home."
The biting cold wind swept relentlessly across the wide surface of the Frozen Lake.
Neither man made a single movement.
Flakes of white snow landed quietly on their broad shoulders, resting on the fine fabric of their heavy cloaks before melting into tiny, glittering drops of water.
Cassian looked steadily into Wang's unwavering golden eyes. "You want me to simply return her to you."
"I do," Wang replied calmly.
"And what will you do if I choose to refuse your request?"
Wang answered without an ounce of hesitation in his voice. "Then I will remain right here in this valley until I find another way to reach her."
