Vera's expression darkened. "Coward," she cursed. "And yet," Vera said, her voice thoughtful, "your brother still chose her."
"He did more than choose her," Soren replied faint trace of admiration slipping into his tone "He married her. Crowned her. Defied every expectation placed upon him...for her."
Vera's gaze softened slightly. "Then this decision—this decree—it is not merely political. It is personal."
"Yes, but also born of fear." Soren said. "Mother believes that the queen's condition makes her unsuitable to bear heirs. That the royal bloodline must remain… untainted. And so, in her mind, a concubine was not an insult—it was a necessity. She sought to 'correct' the situation… by introducing a concubine"
