"Do you understand me?" Thea repeats, raising her arm and keeping the bracelet out of reach.

Wyn blinks back tears as her eyes flit from her sister to the bracelet.

She gives her a reluctant nod before she flies out of the room, sobs echoing in her wake.

As the door closes behind her, Thea releases a deep breath as she sinks to the floor.

"Are you all right?" I whisper as I sit next to her, reaching out to pat her shoulder.

She shakes her head, her features tense as she tries to hold back her tears.

"She can't end up like me. I won't allow it. I won't," she mumbles as she draws her knees to her chest. "I thought her crush on Aethon was just a silly thing she'd grow out of. I didn't realize... I should have paid more attention to her."

"Is he so bad? He's Cer's friend, isn't he?"

"He's not bad. But he will never mate her. Of that I am sure."

"But why? She's such a beautiful and lively girl..."

"She is, isn't she?" Thea smiles. "But it's not enough. The Supremes will never allow him to mate with any random female. He's one of the last of his bloodline, and that means he has a duty to perpetuate his line. The only way he can successfully do so is by mating with a compatible female."

"Does Wyn know this?"

Thea shakes her head. "No. She's so innocent. We've all done our best to keep her away from politics. But she will need to know soon."

"She'll understand you want the best for her."

"I hope so."

The time comes for us to head to dinner, and we head down to the dining room. I'm a little nervous about being introduced to Thea's parents, but I hope everything will be fine.

As we reach the dining room, there are servants lined up on each side.

In the middle of the room there's a giant table that must seat over twenty or thirty people—then again, I wouldn't expect any less considering what I've seen of the house so far.

Wyn is already sitting down and staring dejectedly into her plate.

She raises her gaze when we enter the room, but she doesn't say anything. Thea nibbles on her lower lip worriedly, and she takes a seat right next to her sister, motioning for me to sit next to her.

"Wyn, I'm sorry," she whispers as she places her hand over her sister's. "You know I just want the best for you, don't you?"

Wyn slowly nods, her lips trembling.

"It was my bracelet," she speaks in a low voice, not glancing at Thea. "I promise not to do anything improper, but may I have it back?"

Thea's features are tense as she debates what to do.

"Do you give me your vow that you will not allow any intimacy from a male who is not your mate?"