Julio couldn't leave Tassette. He loved her so deeply, in a way that royalty rarely loved their spouse. But that wouldn't be a good enough excuse for Antyny.
"Alas, Tassette is already with child," he lied. Antyny's eyes widened in shock. "Yes, we have laid with each other as man and wife. It is tradition in Estrellia for a bride to be with her first child at her wedding. Tassette agreed to follow tradition when I requested it."
"This is something I have heard of before," Antyny muttered angrily. He waved his hand. "Very well. Remain betrothed to Tassette. You are dismissed." Julio left the room. Tassette was waiting for him. She perked up when he emerged.
"What did Daddy want?" she asked. Julio kissed her cheek.
"It matters not. Now, let us find a secluded corner where we can be sure you are with our first of many children," he purred. Tassette beamed and led him away.
Back in the room, Antyny scowled angrily. The only octuplet he was willing to keep as a woman was Liira, which was why he tried to get Julio to change to be betrothed to her. But the happy couple couldn't be parted with a child already on the way.
He still didn't want the useless Liiran weighing him down. Perhaps he could get her engaged to a far away Crown Prince. Maybe Saresia.