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“I see the two of you have reached an accord,” Selene said.

“We have,” Sebastian said. “It appears I will not be leaving England after all. At least not immediately.” He reached into his pocket and brought out a lacquer box decorated with delicately painted snowflakes. “Eliana, I’d meant this as a parting gift. Now, however, I’d like it to be a promise. Of courtship. And of love. Will you accept it?”

She stared at the box, her mind whirling. Had Sebastian just told her he loved her?

“Wait.” Selene stepped forward. “Shouldn’t you speak with our father first?”

“As a matter of fact, I have. He gave me permission to court Eliana.”

“He did?” Eliana stared at the prince. “I thought he was scolding you.”

“Oh, he did that as well.” Sebastian’s lips twisted wryly. “But in the end, he appeared to think we would be good for one another. A sentiment it seems your sister shares.”

“We are a sensible family,” Selene said. “Though some of us are unable to see what’s right in front of our noses.”

“You’re a fine one to talk,” Eliana said. “Last year, you missed what was plain as day to everyone else.”

Selene shook her head. “And this year it was your turn.”

Eliana let out a low sigh, and Sebastian caught her hand in his.

“I stand here, still holding this box. It is yours, Eliana, if you’ll take it.”

His words were serious, and she understood that he was offering more than just a trinket. He was offering his future, and, she dared to believe, his heart.

“Yes,” she said, her soul taking flight. “I accept.”

He smiled at her then, an expression so genuine on his normally guarded face that she caught her breath. For the sake of that smile, she would do nearly anything.

“I hope your wish came true,” he said, handing her the box.

She did not understand until she lifted the lid, to see a beautiful silver pendant glittering inside. A snowflake.

For a moment she was transported in memory to the snowy garden where Sebastian had first kissed her, the snowflakes swirling about them. She had wished then for someone who might love her for who she truly might be.Loyal. Beautiful. Brave.His words echoed in her mind.

“Yes,” she said, lifting the chain. The snowflake spun and twinkled in the light, but not as brightly as Sebastian’s smile. “I believe my wishdidcome true.”

They gazed at one another for a long moment, blue and darker blue, like the day sky shading into night. He gently took the necklace from Eliana’s hand.

“Turn around,” he said. “I’ll fasten it for you.”

He brushed the hair from her neck so tenderly her knees went weak. When she turned back to face him, there was a warmth in his eyes she had never seen before. The Ice Prince had melted away, leaving only Sebastian.

“I love you,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.

“And I love you, Eliana Banning.” His expression burned with intensity. “I had not expected to, but I do. What’s more, I intend to ask you to marry me, if you are willing.”

“When, might I ask?” Thank heavens the Midwinter Masque was not an option.

He gave her a half-smile, as if reading her thoughts. “Does Christmas Day suit you, Mademoiselle Red? That will give me time to inform my mother and procure one of the Sayn-Wittgenstein betrothal rings, along with her blessing.”

“Will she give it?” Heavens, marrying Sebastian meant she must become a princess!

For a moment apprehension stabbed through her, but then she lifted her chin. She was brave.

And just as she’d known that Sebastian would not let her fall through the ice, she trusted that he would be there in the future, strong and steady, tying together whatever he must to keep her safe.

“Mother will be pleased I’m marrying an English lady,” he said. “It’s why she prevailed upon me to come to London in the first place, and now she will think she’s won.”

“Did she not?”

“No. I have won. Far more than I’d ever hoped.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers, heedless of her sister still standing in the doorway.

It was a spark, a reminder, light as snow against her mouth. It was a promise, sealed with a kiss.

“Well, that’s settled,” Selene said brightly. “Let’s go back to the parlor and drink a toast. I’m certain my husband would like to know the outcome of this little meeting.”

Smiling at one another, Eliana and Sebastian laced their fingers together and followed Selene down the hall; to the warmth and brightness of the front parlor, to the mulled wine and candles. To the place where snowflakes melted, and the rest of their lives began.

* * *