[What he neglects to mention is that she gets her happily ever after with Mal. An ordinary life, released from the weight of expectations she’d borne like a heavy mantle as the Sun Summoner. Nikolai tells himself that it could be dangerous to know the shape of the future too well before it comes to pass — but beneath that thin excuse is his pride, still smarting after all these years. She had not chosen him. It was one scheme that failed utterly.

He allows her to change the subject. Although, her choice of light conversational fare happens to be one of the problems that weighs on him most heavily. Nevertheless, he plays the part of roguish bachelor quite well. In answer he arranges a jaunty grin on his face.]

Not yet, although Zoya has made an admirable effort to inundate me with name after name of potential brides. It’s so hard being the world’s most eligible bachelor sometimes.

[Eligible aside from the fact that he may very well devour his bride on their wedding night. But even if the monster curled in his heart did not stand in the way of marriage, Nikolai’s own foolish romantic notions would stall him.

He knows he has no time to wait for love. His duty to his country calls.

He also does not say that everything would have been easier if the girl beside him had accepted his damn emerald ring.]