"Ava, have you ever lied to me?"
[Me?]
Isla nodded.
[I have.]
"What?"
Ava laughed, seeing her dumbfounded expression. As she lay on the bed, she shifted her position to turn to her.
[While lies remain ethically questionable, in certain circumstances, the pursuit of a greater good may grant limited permission to employ deception.]
"How do you know when it's for the greater good?"
[Well,] Ava smiled. [If it means protecting someone, I will don a mask of utmost sincerity and speak untruths with unwavering composure.]
***
Isla stood before the silver box, the tent devoid of any other living presence.
She had entrusted Kisara with the care of the kittens while ensuring that everyone respected her request for solitude.
The culmination of the war had arrived, and her husband would confront the Holy Emperor, the very man who had raised her. Understanding the gravity of the situation, everyone respected Isla's need to be alone at this significant juncture.
