“No. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a pledged to hire someone to try and seduce their betrothed to make sure that they are marrying an honorable Andarion. Especially if the marriage is arranged.”

Wow. It made her so glad she wasn’t born Andarion. But it also terrified her for Dancer. “So what if you’re accidentally kissed? Do you have to disclose that?”

Darice scowled. “How do you get accidentally kissed?”

“Like someone stole a kiss from you when you weren’t expecting it. Or you were raped. What then?”

Thia sighed. “In that case, the perpetrator would be severely punished and the pledged would have to undergo another period of purification to make sure no child was conceived. The other beautiful thing about Andarions, they are very fertile little turtles. Even with birth control. Hence the five kids in eight years of my father’s marriage… and my lovely presence here today.”

Sumi didn’t comment on that sarcasm. She was too busy processing what Thia was telling her. The punishment made sense for rape, but…

“The perpetrator could be killed for a simple stolen kiss? Really?”

“Oh yeah,” Thia said, wide-eyed. “Because of their passionate natures, Andarions are extremely respectful of each other’s bodies and protective of their own. Any encroachment is seen as a violation of their personal rights. In fact, that’s part of the unification ceremony. Each partner asks for permission to touch the other and is granted the right to do so in steps. Unless you’re seen as very close family, you don’t just walk up to an Andarion and touch them, in any manner. Not even a hug or handshake. They get really upset about that.”

Darice nodded in agreement. “It’s why we stand like this whenever we meet strangers.” He stopped to cross his arms over his chest and stand with his legs braced wide.

She’d seen Andarions do that, including Fain, but had never realized the significance of it.

“Unless they’re unconscious and need immediate care, even medical providers have to ask before they can touch a patient,” Thia finished as Darice picked up his pace and ran ahead. “You don’t brush hands or anything like that, without permission. If you accidentally do so, you apologize immediately and profusely. Even then, there’s a good chance you’re about to be in a fight at best, arrested at worst.”

Holy heaven…

Sumi fell silent as she realized how egregious her behavior had been. Granted, it was done in ignorance, but still.

Yet what sickened her most was that she knew Dancer would never see her punished for their kiss. His honor wouldn’t let him. He’d take full responsibility for it during Disclosure.

And Dariana would demand a harsh sentence for that trespass.

“Does anyone ever lie during Disclosure?” Sumi asked, even though she knew Dancer would never do such a thing.