"Wyn's ryoku? I forgot you're not familiar with our ways. It means her body has reached full maturity and her main abilities are manifesting," she explains with a sigh. "She will soon start her qualifying exams and in no time, she will have offers from all eligible bachelors..."

"She doesn't seem very keen on that considering her infatuation with Aethon." I smile, remembering how I was at her age—just as infatuated with Nikki.

Thea's expression falls.

"Please do not mention him again in her presence. I don't want her to entertain the possibility that..." She takes a deep breath. "He is not for her. She will understand that eventually."

I don't reply, though I very much doubt it. I saw the way Wyn's expression changed the moment she mentioned Aethon's name. The girl is in love with him.

The door to the changing room opens and Wyn steps out in a majestic light blue gown. The bodice is the shape of a heart, a corset hugging her torso. Two dark blue straps mold to her shoulders, the sleeves a shimmery but sheer material that falls down her arms, leading to the floor. A pretty dark blue bow is wrapped around her waist, after which the skirt flares in a bell shape. The top layer is made of the same light blue as the bodice, but underneath there are three other layers of tulle, all a darker blue.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the embroidery. There's a dark blue dragon that starts from the base of the skirt, coiling up her body until it reaches her chest, its head resting lovingly on top of her breasts.

"Wyn...you..." Thea's eyes widen as she takes in her sister.

Wyn has a guilty expression on her face as she averts her gaze, looking down at her dress and biting her lip.

"This is absolutely gorgeous," I say, still in awe.

"It is not." Thea grits her teeth. "Do you realize that everyone will know the reference, Wyn?"

"I... I like it," Wyn whispers softly.

"Take it off," Thea suddenly demands. "Take it off and burn it. If anyone sees this... Goodness, Wyn, you will be disgraced before you even make your debut."

Wyn blinks back tears as she glances at her sister, her hands fidgeting uncomfortably in front of her.

"Did my mother approve this?" she asks the seamstress.

"Y-yes," she answers meekly.

"Oh, I don't think so. She didn't see the embroidery, did she?" Thea asks in a cutting voice.

"What's going on?" I whisper.

"Aethon is not just one of the most celebrated generals of Aperion," she starts in a scathing tone. "He is also the only blue dragon in existence. That, right there"—she points to the embroidery—"is the boldest statement I've ever seen. And I won't be the only one to think so. You promised me, Wyn," Thea adds in exasperation. "This will ruin your reputation. Take it off."

Wyn shakes her head.