[b]Sylvia looked at her sister-in-law, unable to hide her shock & horror. Did Cendres really feel like love was a waste of time? Why, Sylvia had no idea how she could have survived joining Aranhil in marriage if they hadn't fallen in love. Sure, elves were a bit freer when it came to their emotions, but this complete lack of interest in affection... it just wasn't healthy. How did dragons cope?

But for now, there was nothing Sylvia could do, she supposed. She could wear down Cendres slowly, convince the woman to fight for her own right to marry who she wanted. It wasn't fair that River could pursue whoever he liked, but Cendres had to be herded off by the highest bidder. Dragons were supposed to be making strides towards gender equality since the treaty was enacted, & Sylvia would try her hardest to help women & their powerlessness with marriage.

Turning around, Sylvia said nothing more & headed back to her room a few halls down. She felt completely useless, unable to fight, help Cendres, or even turn Aranhil's head.What kind of wife was she? Inside the room, Sylvia frowned at the sight of the cuffs Cendres had left on the bedside table & picked them up, her face furrowing into a scowl.

"If only tying him up was all it took," she grumbled, tossing the cuffs back onto the table. She crawled onto her bed face first & laid onto it, letting out a long, drawn-out sigh. Her situation was entirely hopeless.[/b]