Percival tips his head up with the guidance of Essek's hands and he holds his husband's gaze. A shiver of heat races through him at the soft and sure words, ones that leave no room for anything less.

"Always," he answers quietly. Percival slides his hand away from Essek's side in favor of covering his husband's where it rests against his cheek. His thumb strokes over the back of Essek's hand.

"When do you want to do this? Or do you want to leave that open?"

Percy trusts Essek to read his mood - his mate is intuitive in that, observant and practiced in knowing when to apply pressure and when to relent.