This was her first tutoring session with Carmenna since the new semester had begun, and the first time Yenni had seen her since the encounter in front of Yenni’s residence. She planned to make the most of her time with the older girl.

But Carmenna took a deep breath and expelled it on a sigh. “I’m so sorry, Yenni Ajani. I wanted to tell you in person. I don’t think I can tutor you anymore.”

Yenni blinked. “What? But why?”

Carmenna closed her eyes. “I didn’t want to fall for Weysh. I knew it was foolish, but it didn’t seem to matter. I fell anyway and now . . . now this hurts.”

Yenni fought to hide her alarm—she needed Carmenna’s help now more than ever!

“Carmenna,” she said patiently, “the other night was a mistake. Weysh was only trying to comfort me after—”

“That horrible attack. I know. I was sorry to hear about it. I’m very glad that you’re all right,” said Carmenna.

Yenni touched her hand to her chest. “Thank you, and whatever Weysh says, I cannot be with him. I’m already promised to another.” Well, almost promised, but Carmenna didn’t need to know that. “Please, Carmenna, I need your help.”

But Carmenna shook her head. “You ask too much of me. Think, imagine our positions were reversed. Picture Weysh holding my face in his hands, smiling down at me, kissing my lips like he used to.”

Yenni did, and a terrible cold feeling stole through her whole body. It was suddenly hard to breathe.

“I . . . no . . .” Yenni stammered.

“Yes,” Carmenna said sadly. “That feeling right there, that’s why I can no longer tutor you, Yenni Ajani. I’d be doing you a disservice if I did.”

Yenni looked away. Mother Shu who tends the fires of the heart, stand with me against the trickery of Father Esh, who now tries to sow within me a false and unobtainable love. Help me douse this false feeling, and instead stoke the flames of something true.

Life would be better for everyone if she could just fall in love with Prince Natahi.

“I gave you my word that I wouldn’t fall for him,” said Yenni, her own voice disbelieving.

Carmenna shook her head. “It wasn’t your word to give.”

“But I don’t want to marry him!” Yenni hissed desperately, trying to keep her voice down in the quiet library.

“As long as your scent calls to him, and as long as he senses the smallest chance you return his feelings, he’ll never want to let you go.” Carmenna stood, and Yenni saw her eyes were wet with tears. “Farewell, Yenni Ajani. I wish you all the best. Sincerely.”

There was nothing more Yenni could say. She watched helplessly as Carmenna exited the library.