Viktor was quiet for a long moment.Then he smiled slightly."You're certain?"
"Completely."
"Then I respect that."He pushed off the railing."Friends, then.Business associates.Nothing more."
"Thank you."
He started toward the ramp, then paused."For what it's worth?I do think you're remarkable.Jin's a lucky man.I hope he knows it."
"He does."
After Viktor left, Wren stood on her platform and took a deep breath.She'd just set a boundary with one of the most powerful men in the territory and she'd meant every word.Jin didn't limit her.He made her feel like she could do anything.
That was worth more than all of Viktor's ambitions combined.
Not Everyone Was Happy
––––––––
LYRA HEARD ABOUT THEcourtship announcement while shopping for more makeup.She was in the lower market, the sketchy part where they didn't ask questions, negotiating with a merchant who sold "specialty cosmetics" when someone mentioned it casually.
"Did you hear?The Marshall and that pun farm girl are courting.Official announcement yesterday."
Her hands clenched on the vial she was examining.
"Really going all out for her, isn't he?"another voice said."Walking through the market hand-in-hand, introducing her as his intended.Never seen Jin so open about his feelings."
Lyra's vision blurred at the edges.
Jin, going public.Making declarations.Beingopen.
He'd never been like that with anyone.Not even close.
And Viktor...She'd seen Viktor at the market too.Seen him approach them, congratulate them, smile that charming smile.Then she'd seen him ride out to the pun farm that evening.Alone.Staying for nearly an hour.
He was still trying, pursuing Wren.Working harder for that girl than he'd ever worked for Lyra in two years.
