The room fell silent.
Aqua, of course, didn't even flinch. She placed a hand on her hip, smirking.
"Oh? Punish me? For what, I wonder?"
Her voice turned teasing.
"Is it treason? Betrayal to the crown? Or perhaps I've been dabbling in corruption lately?"
The crowd shifted uncomfortably. Aqua continued, her grin widening.
"No, wait—maybe I've been luring noblemen away from their wives at night?"
She turned her head toward the nobles, winking at one particularly red-faced official.
"That would explain why some of them can't stop staring."
A few gasps escaped. Several ministers flushed.
Marina chuckled, her expression unreadable.
"Oh no, my sweet niece." She said finally, tapping one nail against the armrest. "Nothing so dramatic. It is technically a betrayal, yes...but not of the crown."
She paused for effect before saying,
"Rather...of the gardeners."
A murmur of confusion rippled through the court.
"The gardeners?" Aqua repeated, blinking.
