Lynette looks surprised, "I would have never known that, she seemed at ease around me. If not a little stern, though I suspected that is her personality."

He nods, "Aye, it is like her, from what I know she comes from a very large family and she spent most of her days raising her younger siblings. But I dare say she is at ease around centaurs now—her and Tomir..."

"Really?"

"Not fully mated but definitely promised to each other. Quell was right to deem Coral an Emissary to Peace."

"She will be all right," Lynette says firmly, though Vadim knows it is more to reassure herself than anything.

He pushes...