Athena reached out to her father. She held his hands in her own and looked deep into his eyes.
"Father, I don't want innocent lives to die because of me," She spoke truthfully.
He shook his head, "You don't want to see Nikolai risk his life in battle."
Athena knew her father had to know something. She wasn't sure just how much he knew.
"I will not deny that is part of the reason. But I also cannot ask our nation to risk their lives when the solution is for me to go."
"He will kill you, Athena."
"I know for a fact he won't. He simply wants me," Athena was sure of it.
"Athena, I…" King Orion let out a long sigh.
He wanted to argue with her more. He wanted to convince her otherwise. He wanted her to run.
He didn't care if the whole empire would crumble. He wanted to ensure his daughter was safe.
