“Fine, princess.... But if I get sick, I expect you to wait on me hand and foot.""If you get sick, I'll just have Ash put you out of your misery.""I'm touched that you care.”

“I don't care what it's called. I just want to be with her at the end. I'm not giving up. Meghan, I'll be with you soon. Please, wait for me.”

“Crazy Ash just doesn't have the same ring as Don't-bother-me-or-I'll-kill-you Ash.”

“You're here," I murmured, reaching out to touch him, hardly believing this was real. "You came back." Ash's breath hitched, and he put his hand over mine."I came home.”

“What are you doing here, Goodfellow?"Rescuing the princess from the winter court, of course. Though it appears I'm saving your sorry-ass as well.""I could've handled it.""Oh, I'm sure. Well then, shall we get on with it? Try to keep up, your highness.""Just stay out of my way.”

“Please.” Ash gripped my hand, “Don't do this.”“I release you,” I whispered. “From your vow of knighthood, and the promises you made. Your service to me is done, Ash. You're free.”

“Where have you come from, traveler?”“I have come from the End of the World,” said a quiet voice that made my heart stop beating. “From the River of Dreams, through the gauntlet and the Briars and the Deep Wyld, in order to stand before you today. I have but one request—to take my place at your side. To resume my duty as your knight, and to protect you and your kingdom for as long as I draw breath.” He raised his head and pushed back the hood, and a gasp went around the throne room. “I am still yours, my queen,” Ash said, looking at me straight in the eye. “If you'll have me.”“You're here,” I murmured, reaching out to touch him, hardly believe this was real. “You came back.” Ash's breath hitched, and he put his hand over mine.“I came home.”