After Cory said that to me, I went with Maria and Abby. I didn't want to cause more controversy and risk the chance of making Cory further upset with me.
We took our towels off and went back into the hot relaxation in our seats. I peeked over at Cory and saw he was at that same bar with the guys talking.
Maria said in a gentle tone, "I know that was probably hard to see."
"This is why I don't wanna marry Cory. I am afraid that he'll hurt me too. Honestly, I hate the idea of being trapped with him. I'm horrified by his behavior. I wanted to say more but I didn't want to risk it. I've never heard him raise his voice like that with you and Abby." I said feeling lost inside.
Abby replied softly. "Cory can get snippy with us ladies at times. It's punishment Sally if we get out of line that is what happens. At times you need to learn when to speak up or not too. Backing down to Cory right now is a favorable move. You don't want him upset with you now too. Annie will be fine. She's the one in a heap of trouble. She should've known better than to sleep with Jeff."
"Isn't selling Anna on the market a little extreme," I stated, feeling bad for Anna.
Abby sighed, "it happens Sally, my father sold me. Once Rick claimed me, my dad told me to my face it worked out for me. He said he sold me to Phil for my own good. He confessed to figuring someone would one day claim me. And Conner never planned to sell Anna to a man that would end up using her and abusing her."
"But still the situation is sad to me, I can't discern how Conner and Jeff could want to kill an unborn," I emphasized.
Maria started talking. "They're upset Sally hopefully before a decision is made. They'll cool down the anger so it isn't unleashed on Anna. Unfortunately, Conner's right. No man will want to marry her, especially if she carries another hybrid man's child. She ruined herself and Conner can do what he wants. He could sell her to another kingdom or even sell her to Cory. If that happens, I would think Cory will see if anyone will claim her but if not she'll become a servant or slave and likely a breeder from having a pure bloodline. Then if she has a daughter, her daughter will be a slave or her son will be in the military without a choice. In a lot of ways Anna just ruined her pure bloodline. Her father would be very displeased with her."
"Then the men get a slap on the wrist!" I grumbled, thinking about this.
Abby said in a serious tone. "NO! Jeff will be punished for sleeping with her. However, he will get a less severe punishment because he reported it to Nick. But if she is pregnant he'll receive a more intense punishment. If he kills the unborn without Cory's consent he will add to his punishment or if he disclaimed his child. There will be a price to pay."
"Well, he better gets something," I huffed, annoyed.
Maria added, "he will but the problem is Jeff will take it as a vigorous hybrid man and then walk it off. Kingdom military men are hard to punish for how formidable and strong they're."
"If that's the case, what does Cory do for punishment?" I asked bewildered.
Maria replied, "who knows that is up to him."
"Why did Cory allow them to fight like that?" I was puzzled by this random thought that came to mind.
"If they don't fight then the guys won't burn it off. Men can physically fight for an outlet. Cory steps aside and lets them get the anger out. We're all living under the same Kingdom. Therefore the Royals have strict rules that the men have to get along with each other," Abby informed me but I kinda figured that since Cory shared this with me.
"So Conner and Jeff are expected to work this out?" I asked clarifying.
"Yup," said Maria. "They're friends so they'll work through the conflict."
I kinda nodded sipping my drink as Abby spoke. "Well, let's not worry about this. It's not our problem. I don't feel Cory is going to allow you to be involved, Sally. It's best to keep quiet and not get entangled.
Maria agreed, "think of it this way, Anna and Annie are snobs. Conner correcting Annie has been long overdue. Honestly, he spoils Annie too much."
"I just feel bad that Anna could lose her unborn baby over this if she's pregnant." I empathize by sharing my true feelings.
Abby rationalized. "There are consequences when you do this in our Kingdom. Anna will be punished like Jeff. Conner can abort her baby or sell it. Cory can intervene that doesn't mean it will stop the abortion as you heard from JJ and Nick."
"Yeah, I remember," I mumbled sadly.
Maria said, trying to be uplifting. "Remember Sally all Kingdoms have their rules and adultery is one of the rules set for our Kingdom. With us overhearing their conversation that we shouldn't have heard. It sounded like Cory wants to try to spare the unborn if Anna is pregnant. This means Cory is overthrowing Conner's decision. Regardless, of that responsibility claim, Conner has on Anna. To me, it seems like Cory is taking over the situation."
"I get what you're saying, Maria," I said. Which was the truth.
I did appreciate what Abby and Maria were telling me. In so many ways, I wished to do more for Anna. Regardless, if I don't wish to marry Cory, I am going to be their Primary Queen. With a caring heart, I wanted to help Anna. It didn't matter how she felt about me. If she was found to be pregnant, I wanted to spare an innocent life from being aborted. Babies are hard to have, you'd think Conner and Jeff would be delighted. I guess that wasn't the case in this situation.