"Scandalous?" Florence asked softly, her round belly hidden beneath folds of pale silk. "Or simply honest?"
That question hung in the air.
The older, married princesses exchanged glances — knowing, mature, and dangerous.
Lady Jennifer, daughter of the kings second cuncubine smiled faintly, her tone poised. "There are some truths only wives understand. Books like that only brush the surface."
Princess Lilian, ever composed, added, "Indeed. In the story, the beast takes his bride fiercely. But in real life… the true intimacy lies not in the act, but in surrendering pride."
"Oh?" Irene asked, feigning innocence but clearly intrigued. Widowed but definitely intending to be active.
Lilian's lips curved slightly. "A woman may wear her crown, her jewels, her grace — but when she's with her husband, all of that falls away. The moment he looks at her and she stops thinking, that's when she knows she's wanted."
A soft, almost nervous giggle broke the silence.
