"Don't be foolish—any gentleman would be incredibly lucky to have you as his wife," Balthazar protested, realizing even though he said it that the words were true, but the intent was not. Ruby's prospects had been all but destroyed when her sister had been turned werewolf—such was the case for much of their family, but none more than Topaz's twin. It was unfair, adding insult to injury, but it was the way of the world.

"Travel, though, has its own rewards," the wizard added. "Have you thought what pockets of the world you might like to see?"