"'That formal suit shit'," she says, the edge in her voice playful, but pointed nonetheless, "is what ensures that a Jeddak's time and energy is not wasted dallying with faithless pretenders. A Jeddak marries for love or not at all. That is not to say there haven't been Jeddaks who keep both consorts and concubines, but they are not remembered with anything resembling fondness."

Her shoulder rests against his, easy as breathing. "And yes, to answer your question, he is okay with it. Because he knows me, and he knows I would never forsake Helium for the pleasure of a simple bed companion."