Would you believe she walked right into my court unattended and when one of my guards tried to stop her, she broke his arm? I was forced to hear what she had to say while I still had a command left. I am thinking of asking her to teach my men a thing or two and perhaps help us improve our Gaelic."
"She is not my wife, she is a liar," Stoneham muttered.
"I see." The king spotted the pastries on the table and walked over to examine them. "Invite your other wife to join us. She is a lovely woman and I would enjoy having tea and a pastry with her. As I recall, she has a smile that can make the birds sing."
"She is...unwell."
"Oh, I doubt that. Call up to her and see if she will come down." When Stoneham stalled, the king called up instead. "Catherin, I demand you come down at once!"
She didn't hesitate for a moment. Catherin went back inside, threaded her way through the king's guard, walked into the room and turned to face her husband. Athena was right behind her and with as much hate in her eyes as she could manage, Athena dropped the lock and chain at Stoneham's feet.
The king broke off a bite of pastry, savored the taste and swallowed. "Tell me, Stoneham, to which of these lovely ladies should I give the pleasure of cutting you in half?"