"Don't insult me by lying. Of course you're enjoying this, watching my subjects disrespect me and fall over themselves to cover you in praise." Tobin's face twisted further. "Is this what you hoped for all along?Does it make you glad to see you're more beloved than I?"
No, Celia wanted to yell back! It wasn't ever my intention to make you disliked. You did that all on your own! I was only trying to help those you wanted to ignore! And to preserve some kind of unity in this kingdom, for Gabriel's sake.
"I'm not in competition with you and I never have been." she spoke softly, trying to calm him even a little. "None of this brings me any joy as your wife."
He sneered. She could tell he didn't believe a word she was saying.
"It's the truth, Tobin. My life is bound to yours through our marriage, whether we like it or not. If you don't succeed, neither do I." she spoke more forcefully. How she wished it weren't true, but it was.
