Back inside the palace, Ryker was reviewing boundary reports in the main hall when he noticed his wife walking past. "Aria, how did things go with the dragonkin family—"
"Don't ask me! Ask your own conscience!" Aria cut him off sharply, not bothering to offer him even a passing glance.
When Ryker stepped closer, reaching out to gently pat her shoulder, Aria recoiled as if his touch had scorched her skin. "Don't touch me! The wind is blowing the wrong way today, and everything you do is making me sick!"
Ryker blinked in utter bewilderment, scratching the back of his neck.
Standing a few paces away, Cora watched the scene with a knowing smirk. As a wolfkin female who understood the exact nature of jealous female hormones, Cora strolled up to Aria and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"Co
