Chapter75:

“I remember that, too. I was terribly nervous about the ceremony. The fact is, they can tell you a million times it’s just a medical procedure, that it’s nothing to get worked up over, but the idea that another person’s body is about to be inside of your own—for any reason—is terrifying. Not to mention every noblewoman in the realm was there to watch.” “I can only imagine how frightening that must’ve been.” She nodded, shifted her weight a little, and pressed on. “You may recall that the royal physician is usually the one to perform the ceremony. But in my case, Mikali wasn’t able to do so. And Armant hadn’t joined the staff yet.” “I remember,” Cassius nodded. “Didn’t they randomly choose a member of your guard?” “Yes, and concealed his identity.” He nodded, as if he knew that part as well. “It was the best remedy they could come up with, and I suppose it worked. For a few months, I’d look at every single member of my guard suspiciously, wondering if he was the one, if he knew me intim