"What you mean to say is that I am not right for him, no?" she asks in a low, hurt voice.

"That's not..."

"You don't think I'm worthy enough to be considered by him, isn't that right? After all, I'm only the thirdborn and I haven't exhibited any special abilities while he's the firstborn of the House of Pyros."

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to. I know very well what my place in society is. I know that he's far above me in, well, everything. But that doesn't mean anything. He likes me. I know he does. He always brings me gifts when he comes to visit. Just a few weeks ago he came and brought me this," she says as she rolls up her sleeve to reveal a pretty diamond bracelet with two Ws intertwined.

Thea's eyes widen as she grabs her hand, closely studying the bracelet.

"You saw him? When?"

Wyn blinks.

"When you and Cer were gone," she answers weakly.

"Tell me you were not alone with him, Wyn. Tell me," she demands sharply, her fingers tightening around the girl's wrist.

"Thea... What..."

"Were you alone with him, Wyn?"

"Y-yes, but I've been alone with him before..." she stammers, a look of confusion crossing her face.

"When you were a child!" Thea exclaims. "This is different," she murmurs, breathing harshly. "Did he touch you? Did he do anything untoward?"

"Thea, you're hurting me," Wyn whimpers.

"Answer me, Arwyn. Did he touch you?"

"He k-kissed me."

Thea's features darken, her nostrils flaring.

God, I've never seen her like this before.

"On my forehead," Wyn hurries to add.

"Thea, calm down," I whisper as I come to her side, trying to get her to release Wyn, who is already frightened by her outburst.

"He kissed you. And he's been giving you gifts," Thea repeats numbly. "Cer is going to kill him," she mutters under her breath.

"No, please, no. Don't tell him. Please," Wyn pleads with her. "It was just a friendly kiss. He wouldn't take advantage of me..."

"This isn't friendly, Wyn." Thea points to her bracelet. "Don't tell me you don't know what these stones are or how much they are worth."

Wyn swallows.

"He was just being nice."

Thea lets out a dry laugh.

"I'm going to have a serious talk with him about this. You're not even out in society and he's giving you gifts? Kissing your forehead? Goodness, Wyn, if anyone found out, you would be ruined. Ruined."

"But—"

"No buts. You are not to ever be alone with him. If he likes you so much, he'll go to Father and declare his intentions, though I doubt that will happen." She shakes her head. "And this?" She takes the bracelet off. "You can't tell anyone about this. Do you understand me?"

"You can't just take it. It's mine..." Wyn adds weakly as she tries to get back her bracelet.