A shudder runs through him at the touch, and this time, he does not pull away. Instead, he gathers Wei Ying in, wrapping one arm tight around his waist and sliding his other hand back into his hair, taking hold again as he had before.

"Wei Ying is beautiful," he whispers against his lips, following each word of praise and adoration with another kiss. "Wei Ying is brave. Wei Ying is beloved --"