Before Shiera could protest further, Athena casually slung an arm around her shoulders, guiding her toward the main hall. Her voice lowered to a more conspiratorial tone.
"But seriously… Amanda told me something."
Shiera turned slightly. "What?"
Athena's tone shifted again, calm and curious, without the usual playfulness.
"She said that you told Kael straight to his face that you'd never acknowledge him as your husband. That you would annul the marriage the moment you become Queen. But that's not what I'm seeing here. So, I wonder if you change your mind after seeing him fight with you. Or…"
Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Tell me… did you consummate your marriage, perhaps?"
Shiera froze mid-step, going stiff like a soldier caught by a commander.
"N-No! I… I didn't…!"
Her voice cracked again, breath faltering. She looked down, flustered, her voice falling into a near whisper. "…plan to…"
