“Much.” I patted my belly, then allowed myself a few moments to savor the sensation of being full before I sat up again. “Now tell me why mages have to have long engagements.”

“Traditionally, a marriage between mages isn’t just the joining of two lives, but an alliance between families. There are agreements to be negotiated, contracts to be drawn up, reviewed, and signed. That process should not be hurried, to avoid later complications. But more importantly, the engagement period is meant to ensure that mages do not rashly enter into an eternal, unbreakable commitment. A full year’s betrothal gives time for either family, not to mention the bride or groom, to change their minds. The contracts are legally and magically binding only when the marriage ceremony is complete and the marriage is consummated. Until then, they can be cancelled even if both sides have already signed and agreed.”

“Huh.” I pursed my lips together as I thought about that. “But why does this apply to us? You and I aren’t involving our families.”

“Not if we can help it,” Iannis said, frowning. “My father has already passed, and my mother is content to let me make my own decision. However, if your father gets wind of our betrothal, he could impede our union. I would prefer to have the ceremony over and done with to avoid such a possibility, but alas, we cannot.”

“Well, that’s just lovely,” I said, sarcasm thick in my voice. “And yet, despite the fact that we’re engaged and my father could appear on the scene at any moment, you still don’t want to tell me who he is.”

“It is better that you not know,” Iannis said firmly. “It could lead to all kinds of complications, and only cause you needless pain. If anyone should contact you claiming a relationship of any kind, you must play dumb and demand proof, then contact me immediately. We cannot take chances with this.”

“Yes, sir.” I saluted, and Iannis frowned at me. But before he could say any more, the phone sitting on the side table next to the couch rang.

I cocked an ear to listen as Iannis took the call. It was Dira, the Guild receptionist, relaying an urgent message from the Minister to call him as soon as possible. Well, that was the end of breakfast, then. There would be no more discussion about my father when Iannis’s mind was on Federation business. Resigned, I rose from the chair and headed toward the bedroom.

“Wait,” Iannis called as he hung up the phone.

“What—” I began, but he cut me off, pressing me into the wall as he kissed me deeply. Ever since he’d revealed to me that he had super speed, he used it to surprise me at every opportunity. His dark, exotic flavor filled my mouth, overlaid faintly by expensive coffee, and hunger ignited in my lower abdomen, eclipsing my anger.