Chapter 29: The desire for company
One of the braver councilmen stepped forward, attempting to defend the young woman.
"I'm afraid we must decline your offer. As the King said, he isn't interested in seeking any marriage partners at this time."
Atalanta turned her gaze sharply on him, clearly displeased by his interjection. "I don't recall addressing this matter to you, sir," she said, her tone icy. "If you could kindly keep your opinions to yourself, it would be greatly appreciated."
The councilman, initially stunned by her audacity, quickly felt his surprise morph into simmering anger.
"How dare you! Do you not see that I spoke up in order to save your rear? You ungrateful wench. It'll be the last time I ever come to your aid." He thought to himself, but outside, he put on a forced polite smile.
"I'm afraid you're sorely mistaken," the councilman shot back. "We, as the council, speak on behalf of the King, especially in matters such as this."
Atalanta let out a soft, rueful laugh. "My apologies if I've offended you," she said with feigned innocence. "I was simply under the impression I was speaking to the King, not a group of old farts with nothing better to do than sit around spouting useless nonsense." She offered a sweet smile.
The councilman's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, struggling to find words. The others around him flared with indignation.
"How dare you speak that way about the royal council!" one of them snapped. "To insult us is to insult the King!"