For Willy the concept of love was elusive, or it had been. He'd been among mortals for a very long time and had seen love turn to bitterness, had seen the love of mother for child, the love of true friends that was hearts and minds. He had known people to say love but mean lust, had 'loved' plenty of men and women alike over the years in that he took them to bed and knew their bodies.

But for Phouka it was so much simpler. Perhaps it was not love as the prince and his mortal shared. Perhaps it did not run as deep or as pure. But he did love Winter. He thought of him often. He enjoyed his company. He wanted him to stay and live with him and bring happiness to his life and he wanted always to make Winter smile and blush.

"I do love you, Winter Wisp," he said, some small bit of magic rising with the utterance of the true name. "And do you love me?"