He wouldn't care. He wouldn't, would he?
Cassius and her, whatever bound them was nothing more than an illusion. A game of power where she was nothing but a pet, a temporary amusement.
Easily discarded. Easily replaced. So why should she hesitate?
Agreeing to Queen Morgana's offer meant securing her way out. It meant freedom, or at the very least, a way to survive. And that was better than foolishly clinging to the fragile, unpredictable whims of a prince who could turn on her at any moment.
At least this way, she wasn't gambling her life on his fickle mercy.
Queen Morgana's hands were outstretched, her smile even wider, urging her to agree to her, to forgo Cassius's side and be on her.
Arabella closed her green eyes and opened it again, offering a smile, "I decline your offer."
The shock came to Queen Morgana like a snap. Her smile disappeared and her frown pulled the space between her eyebrows.
For a moment, there was only silence.
