"Before you go Lithe, let me clarify something," pondered Lady Mila out loud.
Zen groaned because they were so close to escaping but Lithe elbowed him and gave him an eyeful for being disrespectful to the proud matriarch.
Ignoring them both Lady Mila said, "You don't accept that you are married to Zen Starke, normally the true mates of Starke's have been willing in the past. There is no polite way to say this but did he by chance coerce you or use abuse to persuade you to accept the mark of a true mate?"
Out of respect for the matriarch of the Maximilian Tribe who was only concerned for Lithe's best interest, that's the only reason Zen held his tongue for that insult.
Still, his eyes blazed and one could imagine smoke coming out of his nostrils as his eyes shot daggers in Lady Mila's direction.
Zen did not move a muscle as he too was eager to hear what Lithe's response would be.
