What?Lucien laughed. Yesall those female faeries around you were females for Tamlin to pick. Its an honor to be chosen, but its his instincts that select her.But you were thereand other male faeries. My face burned so hot that I began sweating. That was why those three horrible faeries had been thereand theyd thought that just by my presence, I was happy to comply with their plans.Ah. Lucien chuckled. Well, Tams not the only one who gets to perform the rite tonight. Once he makes his choice, were free to mingle. Though its not the Great Rite, our own dalliances tonight will help the land, too. He shrugged off that invisible hand a second time, and his eyes fell upon the hills. Youre lucky I found you when I did, though, he said. Because he would have smelled you, and claimed you, but it wouldnt have been Tamlin who brought you into that cave. His eyes met mine, and a chill went over me. And I dont think you would have liked it. Tonight is not for lovemaking.