"If the Supremes decree it, he will have to obey it."

I nod slowly. Poor Wyn. She's going to be heartbroken.

"And who is this mate they've found for him?" I probe further.

"She is a silver dragon, but she has not yet reached maturity. Still, if the Supremes enforce a betrothal, it will be binding until she becomes an adult, at which point they will be mated."

"Isn't Aethon ancient? He has to wait even more?"

Ze shrugs.

"It is what it is. I have known Aethon for almost six thousand years. He has always been dedicated to his position. There was never any suggestion that he might wish for a mate, or younglings. But if the Supremes command it..."

"You obey. Got it. I just feel sorry for Wyn. She has a major crush on him," I sigh.

"Aethon is a desirable male, both due to his achievements and his unattainability. It is normal for young females to be infatuated with him. Most debutantes are. But compared to Arwyn, they realize their dreams are just that—dreams. I cannot fathom how Erithea has allowed her to nurture these fantasies."

"Thea thought it was an innocent crush. But Wyn went too far to embroider his dragon form on her gown."

Ze scoffs.

"That is how you know she is related to Erithea. Foolish females, both of them." He shakes his head.

"Ze." I side-eye him. "I thought you were going to try to be nice."

"Being nice and frank are two different things." He puts his finger up. "I do not lie, human." He glares at me intently.

"Right, sometimes I forget you have no filter." I sigh. "You don't have to lie, you know. Just... be more tactful."

His eyes narrow, his mouth tightening.

"Senseless females," he amends after a moment's thought.

I blink. Slowly, I release a deep breath. He is hopeless.

Our discussion is interrupted by the waitress, who places the cups of sweet ice on the table, the chocolate one in front of me and the mint caramel one in front of Ze.

"Thank you," I murmur, dragging my chair closer and licking my lips as I pick up a spoon to taste it. I dip it in the ice and grab a small spoonful, which I then bring to my mouth.

"Ah, this is so good," I exclaim as I smack my lips together to get more of the flavor.

Ze looks intently at me, nodding to himself. Seeing my reaction, he turns his attention to his own cup of ice, studying it.

"Here," I say as I push a full spoon of chocolate ice to him. "Taste. This is so amazing, Ze." I sigh. "You have to try it."

His eyes sparkle as he leans forward, wrapping his lips around the spoon.

"You like it?"

He nods, a look of surprise crossing his face.