“That’s all right,” said Yenni, waving absently. Where was she to go from here? Why would the Sha tell her to seek magic if magic could not help her? “Is there no one else who would know more about this?” Yenni asked Carmenna. “Your professor, perhaps?”

“The most likely person would be the head of the magical department here at Prevan.”

“Oh? Who is that?”

“Professor Claudieux Mainard, Magus Grande, First Class.”

Yenni sighed. Oh Father Esh, why him?

“Yes, good luck there,” said Carmenna. “I’ve always found that man to be like a snappish crab. His hairstyle even resembles one.”

She made two crab hands above her head and the two burst into laughter. As their chuckles died down Carmenna cleared her throat.

“Did—were you able to speak to Weysh?”

The dragon. Hot, buzzing annoyance tingled under her skin at the thought of him, but then she recalled sitting peacefully by the water with him as a beast, and her emotions cooled into something warm and fond.

“I did,” she told Carmenna. “He is as stubborn as you say, but I will get through to him.”

Carmenna hummed as she stirred her own stew, the sound full of disbelief. Yenni watched her, utterly confused. Here was a woman who was smart and driven. She wasn’t promised to anyone, and could have any man she chose. So why by all that was holy did she pine for the affections of that arrogant dragon?

Yenni squinted at her. “What is it that you see in him? Ah! I know. You like to fly together.”

“Byen above, no! I can’t stand flying.” Carmenna shuddered. “I suppose what attracts me to Weysh is his honesty. It’s a rare trait, especially among men.” She gave Yenni a knowing look. “But what you see is what you get with him. There’s no trying to decide if he’s manipulating you—he simply lacks the guile.” Carmenna laughed. “And he can be quite considerate. Once when I was in the middle of an exam, a torrential rain pour started up suddenly, and I had a good walk to my residence. I was dreading it, but when I came out I found Weysh waiting on the steps. He’d been there since the last clock chime, and he shielded me with his wing all the way back.”

Yenni considered this. She supposed that fit with what she’d seen of his character, but what of his brashness? His presumptiveness? His hardheaded nature?

It matters not in the end. I will almost certainly be married off when I return.

Yenni nodded to Carmenna. “I will do what I can to steer him in your direction.”

Carmenna leaned back in her chair and studied Yenni. “You don’t have to do this, you know. It’s a little strange, don’t you think? I mean, you’re his Given. Suppose you start to develop feelings for him?”