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“Yes, sir.”

“Anyone in particular?”

I shake my head too quickly. “No.”

He cocks his head.

“No one important,” I correct.

“Have you had dreams?”

My stomach drops. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do.”

I do.

My face is on fire now. My throat feels tight, my palms damp. I want him to stop. I want the floor to open and swallow me whole. I want to be anywhere except in this room.

“Answer me.”

“Yes,” I say.

“How long?”

“A while.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. A few months.”

“Good,” he says.

Good?

He leans back in his chair. “Women are one of the greatest treasures you can experience in life.”

I say nothing.

“You’re young now, but when the time comes, you should feel free to act on your urges. A Vexley doesn’t deny himself pleasure.”

O…kay.

“But,” he continues, “you must never allow a woman to become a distraction. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You may enjoy women. You may pursue them. You may take pleasure where pleasure is offered. But you will never let a woman redirect your path. You will never let her make decisions for you. You will never compromise advancement, allegiance, or family because a pretty girl shows interest in you.”

I look at the desk again. “What about Mother?” I ask. The question comes out before I can stop it.

Father laughs. “My wife?”

I nod.

“You think I was distracted by your mother?”

“I just thought…” I hesitate. “You married her.”