Lily's mother cleared her throat softly, drawing their attention back to her. Her eyes, so like Lily's own, held a mixture of concern and resignation as she spoke.
"From what Lily has told me," she began, her voice measured and careful, "I believe it is very likely you two are destined mates."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Lily felt her breath catch in her throat, her heart thundering against her ribcage. She glanced at Caspian, searching his face for a reaction.
His expression was inscrutable, but his hand tightened almost imperceptibly around hers. Lily could feel the tension radiating off him in waves, could almost taste the conflicting emotions swirling beneath his carefully controlled exterior.
"Destined mates," Caspian repeated, his voice low and thoughtful.
