"Sir Jonah?" King Marinus echoed, seemingly appalled. In a softer, hushed tone, he grasped Cordelia's forearm and pulled her close. "Why would you suggest that?" he harshly whispered to her, trying his best — but failing — to keep his voice down.
The only person who seemed even more horrified by this was none other than Atticus. His eyes widened in shock, aghast at the possibility looming before him. Lines of distress etched deeply into his furrowed brow, his features contorted in a mask of horror and disbelief.
His mouth fell open in silent protest, wanting to immediately argue against Princess Cordelia's horrible suggestion, but was unfortunately one step too slow. Daphne spoke first.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Cordelia!" she chirped, clapping her hands together in excitement. There was something playfully wicked that flashed across her eyes, and when she met gazes with Atticus, he could only gulp his words back down his throat.
