“I don’t particularly enjoy tomatoes. The dish becomes quite irksome when made to eat them every day.”
“Are those important for you?”
“Yes, they contain lycopene, a nutrient that boosts my”—he quirked a brow—“quality.”
“Quality of what?” I asked.
“I don’t believe it is an appropriate dinner conversation, Emeline.”
My brows pulled in. Oh—oh.
My face flushed even hotter, matching his soup. The lessons from the Academy hit me. Diagrams and the science behind mating. My fork hit the table, leaving a ruby stain on the white tablecloth.
Rule Six: If your Mate wishes to practice prior to the three-moon courtship, you are to indulge your Mate’s wants.
The attendant returned, as if knowing exactly when I needed him to save me from my constant embarrassment. If that were the case, he would have a long night ahead. My stomach protested longingly as I watched my half-eaten dish disappear. The price of being saved.
“There will be more courses,” Collin assured me. I nodded, feeling too exposed. I looked around the Garden and caught the eye of several women and men, their noses turned up in disgust. I cast my attention back to Collin. “Do you like the Garden?” he asked, his eyes sweeping the room coldly.
“It is beautiful. It reminds me of paintings I’ve cataloged at my job.”
He watched me, something in those depths. “I’d like to talk plainly before you have more food to eat so enthusiastically.” His lips tugged up slightly. I nodded, nervous.
“About our Procreation Agreement, I had a contract drawn up. I will have a copy sent to you tomorrow morning. You may, of course, look it over,” Collin said. We both knew I didn’t have a say in this. “If everything is in order, we shall sign, commencing our official Courting Phase. When we reach the three-moon minimum, we can commence cohabitation. When our efforts are successful”—Collin cleared his throat before continuing—“I feel it is in the best interest to have a four-year Cohabitation Agreement in place to be present for our offspring. You will remain with me until the offspring goes to the Academy,” Collin finished, grabbing his drink.
I did as well, just to do something with my shaking hands. Most women in my position would say yes to this instantly. It was the ideal outcome, a proper public Courting and cohabitation. There wasn’t a single mention of the Sanctuary or Low Town. There was no talk of the steps and rules required to impress your Mate. The man before me had yet to act or say anything I had been made to believe. I didn’t understand.
“Am I not to be judged throughout our Courting Phase?” I asked him.
“Would you prefer to, what is it, anticipate my needs and successfully fulfill them?” Collin retorted, reciting Rule Seven as his eyes bored into mine. “Would youliketo be judged?”
“I was unaware I had a say,” I challenged, feeling that familiar fire rise in my chest.
Collin leaned back in his chair. “Are you unsatisfied with my offer?”
“What would you do if I said I was?”
I knew,I knewI was being too bold. But it was like I couldn’t control myself in the face of his consideration.
Collin shook his head slightly. “I would tell you,Our next three moons will be eventful, Emeline.”
“Forgive me; I’m trying to understand. You seem rather okay with this pairing. Collin, I . . .” I took a steadying breath. “I am a Defect.”
“I’m aware of your status,” he assured me, his eyes on mine. “I knew your status when I chose you.”
“Chose me?”
“I prolonged my bachelorhood as long as I could. I was told to take a Mate. I was not given an option, at least not one I was willing to take. The system paired us as an excellent match. I accepted.”
“Did you not wish for a Mate of your status?” I asked, again too boldly.
Collin’s eyes slid over my shoulder before returning to me. “If the Illum’s procreation matching system declared us a worthy match, should that not be enough?”
“Won’t they—” I stopped, working to swallow. “Won’t the Elite have something to say about this?”
Collin’s eyes locked on mine. He seemed to exude power into the room. “I stopped caring about the Elite’s opinions long ago.”
“I—” I began, but the attendant returned, placing another beautiful plate in front of me. This new revelation that food could be art thrilled me.
