There was a few long moments of shock as eyes shifted to Mordrin whose expression didn't change. This wasn't news to him. He had known the truth since the night of their wedding when she had admitted it with sad downcast eyes. A smile curved his lips as his gaze stayed on his wife and unborn child, it was clear how he still felt.
"Lord Shadow Veil, I am sorry to hear of this. I had no idea my daughter had caused such.." He began but Mordrin raised his hand.
"No, Vella Luna and I had long ago came to a understanding. I could understand why she made the choices she has. Vella, continue please. I will always support my wife, regardless of any snakes in the grass." Mordrin replied walking to stand behind his wife's back and give her his support visually as well as mentally. The Emperor nodded slowly, honestly relieved to see his daughter's admission didn't put her at odds with her husband and their kingdom against Shadow Veil.
"You are very fortunate to have such a understanding husband. Speak. What happened?" The Emperor asked watching her face. His eyes seemed to bore into her but to his surprise Vella did not respond as though it phased her in the slightest.
"I did not want to marry Mordrin when it was first proposed though it was my mother and brother who brought this opportunity to me. I…" she turned to look at Mordrin and smiled before looking at the court. "I loved my husband even then. However i know from the past how dangerous the road to Emperor was. Close family and trusted allies can become snakes when faced with this much power. My brother only had me at his side and a new born baby to consider. I refused to leave as long as that danger was present." Vella spoke more clearly than anyone had expected and shocked even her father to silence. The Queens looked over at her, shooting her glares for moments before suddenly looking shocked beyond all reason.
"Vella, how could you believe this? We would never be so underhanded." Queen Kira replied her voice dripping with indignant tones. She turned to Vella who offered her smile that didn't reach her eyes. The slightly lost smile slowly turned to a confused little o shape as if she realized the queen was serious. Then it changed further to a look of slight pain. She didn't bother to curtsy to the Queen who once made her life hell, but she did face her.
"I never said you would, My Lady First Queen. I said allies and close family. I am sorry if you misunderstood me." Vella replied remorsefully casting her eyes away. "Afterall, I would never place baseless claims at the feet of a innocent." The passive aggressiveness to her words were low key enough that only Queen Kira and herself had any idea what she was referring to. The way her eyes flashed, Vella was sure she remembered.
"I see, your words were simply… concerning. I do not think any of our close family will cause such strife for any of the sons or their children." Queen Kira replied apologetically. "I am simply tired and there has been so much in the way of bad feelings in the harem as of late…" She pointed out casting a sad glance at the Empress. The Emperor's eyes softened as he saw the regret in his queen's eyes as she regarded the Empress who still called the cold palace home. He was the only one fooled by those cunning eyes.
"I will not say you were wrong to think so if you have unrest in the Harem. Perhaps it is in your best interest of your conscience to heal those rifts." Vella replied before turning away from her, slapping Kira across the face with her implications alone. Kira flushed slightly and nodded looking toward the Emperor for his words on this subject.
"I fail to see how this new information changes that he gave up his position in order to protect his sister rather than the kingdom." Damar asked, his posture screaming of disapproval. His crimson hair and dark eyes piercing through Vella's back. "All she has proven is she is unfit to be a princess of our kingdom."