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Athena
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I hesitate for a second after entering the palace, unsure if I should see Valerio’s parents first or my soon-to-be husband and his beloved wife. But it would look better if I started with Clio and Valerio, so I proceed inside and toward their room’s direction. I instruct the guards to make my people feel at home and only take one guard with me, the one carrying the gifts. I don’t need protection from this point on. I’m safe here.
“My king!” I exclaim, seeing Valerio coming down the staircase just as I turn the corner, looking like he’s coming from the direction of his father’s office, and he stops and turns to me, saying there’s no need for such formalities when no one is around, as I curtsy.
His face stretches into a smile as he says that, but I can i
