Clio's face went pale, her eyes widening as Pythia's words sank in.
"Attack Calydon?" she whispered, her voice trembling. Confusion filled her thoughts. "But… my father hasn't said anything about a war. Why would Thebes—?"
Pythia tilted her head, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Oh, sweet princess… your father holds something very precious," she said, her voice light, with a hint of mock sympathy.
"Something Thebes would love to get its hands on. The marriage? Just a nice distraction. But when that fails..." She paused, her eyes gleaming. "They'll take it by force."
Clio stumbled back, shaking her head, panic rising inside her. "No… this can't be true," she muttered, clutching her gown, her hands trembling. "There's no reason—"
