Wynne Imaguman doesn't dislike Hector Primuman the Fourth, heir to the governor of the Arzon space colony. She's just terrified of what she's managed to learn about the colony and wants to flee as soon as she can. She's been groomed to be Hector's Partner, though, and he's all but admitted he loves her. She doesn't want to be cruel, but if she doesn't make everyone think she's falling in love with him, they'll change her so she does.

Hector Primuman the Fourth has known the truth of the colony for as long as he can remember, and he's also known that Wynne would be terrified once she figured it out. He doesn't blame her—he doesn't care for it, either—but there's nothing he can do about it, other than let Wynne, the only person he'd consider a friend, break his heart.

And that's if they can get her out before either of them ends up dead or psychologically altered.