Chapter 2-2
331 Words
"So, is it true?" Yllana asked once we found an empty classroom to talk in private.
"What?" I said.
"That you are Martinus' Novak's not-so-secret-anymore fiancée," Yllana said.
"That's what he says," I said. "But I don't remember agreeing to it."
"But are you compatible?" Yllana asked, with curiosity.
I blushed. The memory of the kiss and the arousal it made me feel was still with me.
"I see," Yllana said. "Well, if you're compatible, you pretty much don't have a choice."
"Why not?" I asked. "I'm a free woman. I don't have parents or guardians who can force me to do anything. I can choose whoever I want."
"First, Martinus won't let you be with anybody but him," Yllana said. "He already said he's willing to challenge any man who gets too close to you to a duel on Friday, after you left. And I'm not sure you'll be able to resist if he starts to seriously court you."
"I think I can resist him," I said. "I don't like him much."
"You'll change opinion," Yllana said, shrugging. "He'll charm the pants off you, literally and figuratively. After all, with mutual magical compatibility, you'll feel quite attracted to him. And if he attempts to be more likable, well…"
I contemplated my future. First, all the problems related to my crazy father, now, this.
"We're not animals, to obey our base animal instincts," I said.
"Sure we're not," Yllana said. "We're magicians. Magic is more powerful than biology."
"You mean, I'll end up being Martinus Novak's fiancée?"
"And you'll like it, too," Yllana confirmed.
"Oh, no," I said, burying my face in my hands. "I have to figure out something."
"I'd like to help you," Yllana said. "I'm curious whether it will work."
An idea occurred to me.
"Martinus is the son of a rich, important family, right? So his parents must want him to get a suitable girl. What if I tell them?"
"It won't help," Yllana said. "His parents are snobbish, but they also want grandchildren."
"Still," I said. "It's worth a try. Can you get me his mother's number?"
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