บท 110: Confrontation

"We… we…" The two women looked at each other, not daring to be the one to admit their words in front of King Atticus. Atticus scowled even more heavily at their reluctance.

"Tell me now, before I decide to force an answer out of you." 

Finally, one of the women spoke up. "Your wife is sleeping with Prince Nathaniel!"

"Excuse me?!" Atticus's mouth dropped in sheer outrage. "That's utter nonsense. Who did you hear this from?" 

"Everyone is saying it now," the woman pointed out. "Too many people saw them talking and laughing in the gardens alone."

"And you think she's cheating on me based on that? Such ridiculousness!" Atticus roared. 

Clearly, those women didn't bother to notice that Sirona was also at the gathering. He relaxed minutely; this was obviously some foolish rumor cooked up by some bored royal ladies with too much time on their hands.