"Oh, Luce." She turns to me, her green eyes sparkling. "He kissed me back. Before he realized who I was, he kissed me back. And it was the most marvelous feeling in existence. And because of that one moment, I know I am ruined for anyone else who is not him. I'd rather live my entire life alone, reminiscing about that special moment than be forced to mate someone else against my will."

Her words are effusive, her features filled with the purest love.

"But you heard Ze—Azerius," I correct myself. "The Supremes already found a mate for him."

She shakes her head, a dry laugh escaping her.

"They're going to try to force the mating, but that doesn't mean he will agree. He will not," she says vehemently.

I sigh. I don't think there's any way to convince her that her dreams of being with Aethon are more or less unattainable. Whether he's dead or alive, mated or unmated, for her it's him or no one else. And I'm ashamed to admit that I understand her and where she's coming from.

I try to remember the time before my marriage, when I was crushing on Nikki with no hope of ever being with him. Even as my future opened up with opportunities I never dreamed of, I never once thought of being with another man. To my young mind, he was the only person I could ever belong to. And even now, years later, the truth remains that he is the only one for me.

"Please don't tell Thea about any of this," Wyn repeats anxiously. "She will freak out and will never let me leave the house ever again. She's worse than my mother."

"Of course not. I gave you my word, Wyn."

"And please don't tell anyone you saw me here. The recruitment process ends a few days after my ball. By then I should know for sure if I made it—no, I must make it," she adds determinedly. "My family cannot know, or they will do everything they can to stop me."

"Even though the position is so prestigious?"

"Regardless." She smiles ruefully. "My purpose is to make a good match. There is already Cer in the family, and he has enough prestige."

"I see." I nod, pursing my lips. "Then I will cheer you on. You do not have to worry about competing against me since I will be gone after the first test."

Her brows go up in surprise.

"Hmm... It has something to do with Commander Azerius, doesn't it?"

I blink.

A knowing look crosses her face.

"Do not worry. I won't pry, nor will I tell anyone. Tit for tat." She winks at me.

I nod numbly. God, am I so transparent? I make the worst of spies. I should have never agreed to this.