<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ffcc">Alexi hesitated, tilting his head to the side. Neither twin had considered that Illian would necessarily continue his pursuit with such vigor. The brief, far away look cleared from his eyes, his lips pressed together. He had  a feeling the ring he was given was more than just a handy trinket, knowing what he knew now. The prodding continued briefly.</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dffa6"> “So her refusing him only strengthened his resolve then?” </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ffcc">he said softly, hoping Lucian had seen the look and knew where the question was really coming from. </span>