“That’s why I kept hoping their record for you might be complete,” Grady added as he made his way over to the bed, “but I should’ve known the Black Swan wouldn’t take any risks. I don’t understand why they’re keeping your genetic parents secret, but I’m sure they have their reasons. Hopefully someday they’ll share them. In the meantime”—he pulled Sophie and Edaline into a family group hug—“I need you to know that as far as your mom and I are concerned, this changes nothing. You’re amazing. We love you. And we will support whatever decisions you make. Okay?”

Sophie hugged them tighter, barely managing to choke out, “Okay.”

“And hey,” Grady added, “if this makes you decide to put the whole dating thing on hold for a while, I can definitely get behind that—OW!”

He pulled back from the hug, rubbing the tender part of his arm where Edaline must have pinched him.

“What your overprotective father—who, unfortunately, will always struggle with the idea of you growing up—is trying to say, is that we’re here for anything you need,” Edaline clarified. “And that includes whatever investigating you might be planning to do into your biological family. I’m assuming that’s why you went to talk to Mr. Forkle today? And I’m guessing he was less than cooperative, and now you’re determined to find out what you can on your own while you also look into all the other important things going on?”

“Something like that,” Sophie admitted, picking at the tiny silver gadgets covering her index fingernails and her thumbnails. Tinker had designed them to control her enhancing, so she wouldn’t always have to wear gloves—though she still wore gloves most of the time as an extra precaution. “That… doesn’t bother you guys?”

“It does if the search is going to cause more Elwin visits or Tribunals,” Grady told her.

“Avoiding anything dangerous or illegal would be best,” Edaline agreed. “But again—translating for your overprotective father—of course it doesn’t bother us. We know your past is complicated. And we never want you to feel like you have to deny or hide any part of it. So if there’s some way we can help, just say the word—and please never worry that it’s going to upset us.”

“Thanks,” Sophie mumbled, blinking hard to fight off the fresh burn of tears. “Right now, I don’t have much of a plan. Keefe’s making some lists, but—”

“You told That Boy about this?” Grady interrupted. “He didn’t make you feel embarrassed, did he? Or pressure you to—”

“Actually, he told me no one would care about the unmatchable thing,” Sophie corrected. “Well, not anyone who mattered, at least.”

Edaline’s smile practically glowed. “That was very sweet of him—not that I’m surprised.”

Grady snorted.

“And he’s absolutely right,” Edaline added, elbowing Grady in the ribs.

Sophie shrugged, still not convinced. She stared at her lap and folded and unfolded the handkerchief. “He actually tried to talk me out of finding my biological parents when he realized how weird it was going to be for me. But… I have to.”

“No, you don’t.” Edaline tilted Sophie’s chin up. “Seriously, Sophie—and I’m not saying that because I don’t want you finding them. I just want to make sure you know that if your current matchmaking status is a deal-breaker for someone, they don’t deserve you. Yes, being unmatchable will bring its share of challenges. But those challenges will mean nothing if someone truly loves you.”

“How can you say that after what happened with…” Sophie stopped herself from blurting out the name, worried she was about to cross a line.

“What happened with Jolie was a tragedy,” Edaline finished quietly. “And there’s no excuse for what Brant did—even if it was a horrible accident. But… part of me will always wonder what would’ve happened if I hadn’t put so much emphasis on matchmaking. I’ll never know if things would be different if I’d truly supported their relationship—one hundred percent—from the moment Jolie picked up her final list and found that Brant’s name still wasn’t on it. That’s why I’m not making that mistake again. I understand why the matchmaking system exists. And I’m grateful every day that it steered me toward Grady.” She reached for her husband’s hand, clinging tight. “But… the system definitely has its flaws. And if it’s going to exclude you for something you can’t control—especially since I know Mr. Forkle would never let you form an attachment to someone you’re related to—I hope you’ll trust yourself enough to know what you truly want and ignore the rest. And Grady and I will support you every single step of the way.”

“We will,” Grady agreed. “Though I gotta say, I hear staying single can be amazing.” He yanked his hand free before Edaline could pinch him again.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You know this isn’t just about dating, right? Everyone’s going to freak when they find out. And I’m sure the Council will take back their fancy appointment faster than you can say ‘Regent.’ ”

Maybe they’d even kick her out of Foxfire.…

“Why?” Grady asked. “Marriage has nothing to do with the nobility. In fact, some Regents and Emissaries are even advised to stay single—that way they’ll have the option of becoming a Councillor someday, should an opening arise.”

The Councillors weren’t allowed to have any immediate family ties because it could hinder their ability to make objective decisions.

“Okay,” Sophie said, wishing it could be that simple, “but… how many bad matches have been appointed to the nobility?”

Grady and Edaline shared a look.

“I… can’t think of anyone,” Edaline admitted. “But it’s hard to keep up with all the Regents, Mentors, and Emissaries.”

“I’m sure it is,” Sophie conceded. “But, given the way people treat bad matches, I’m betting there haven’t been any. And even if there have been… I’m unmatchable. I’ll be stuck with that label whether I date or not—and I’m sure it’s never happened to anyone before, so that’s going to make it an even bigger deal. Which means, once the news gets out—and you know it will, given how many people have already figured it out without me telling them—it’s going to turn into this huge drama. And if I’m a Regent, I’m sure they’ll demand the title be taken away, and then I’ll be the Girl Who Got Kicked Out of the Nobility and—”

“Whoa, easy there,” Grady interrupted, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I think you’re forgetting that power and talent will always reign supreme around here. How else would someone as grumpy as Bronte end up on the Council? And no one—no one—can deny the value of your abilities. Or how much we need your help with the huge problems we’re up against.”

Edaline reached for Sophie’s hand. “I know people haven’t always been as welcoming, or as accepting of you as they should’ve been. Our world wasn’t prepared for the challenges we’re now facing. And many unfairly blamed you, because you were new and different and completely unexpected. But they’re beginning to see how very much we need you.”