The noblewomen present looked Ariana over with open contempt, their whispers and cold stares making it clear they had already judged her.
"And in return for the title you were given and the husband you swore to cherish, and the trust of this court… you chose betrayal."
"He never wanted me," Ariana said with her chin high.
"You will speak only when you have been asked to," Maravelle snapped.
"No," Ariana shot back. "I have a mate. And I'm done pretending. Prince Aedric did not mark me, so I was never truly his."
Gasps rippled through the chamber.
"You dare defy this court?" a noble lady spat, stepping forward with a look of pure disgust.
Ariana bowed her head.
"Insolence!" another voice cried out. "You shame your House!"
"You only got married a month ago and you are already bringing other men to your bed?"
Maravelle lifted her hand, and the murmurs died down instantly.
