Chapter 175: Not Benevolent

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Paladin and Ashley were both holding onto each other, as the two of them were slowly moving on the dance floor together. They were surrounded by many other couples, many others that were close to them and curious about what was going on. Paladin could feel all eyes on him, and he could feel himself being pressured. He knew the two of them were in clear sight of Lady Athena, and it made him feel guilty to his core. Paladin felt so much guilt, he couldn't bring himself to look over at Lady Athena, nor could he bring himself to look at Ashley in the eyes. He just looked past her and looked at the other couples embracing each other around them. While Paladin wasn't looking at her, Ashley was smiling and blushing while looking up at Paladin. Unlike him, she was enjoying the moment.

"What's changed with you?"

"Nothing has changed with me Paladin. The only person that has changed between the two of us, is you."

Paladin shook his head.

"Correct, I have changed. But, the changes I've gone through haven't been as dramatic as this. You would've never have done this before, you are acting completely different from when I last saw you."

"I haven't changed at all Paladin, I am still the same Ashley you met when you first came back into this world. Nothing is different with me from then to now. The only one that has gone through some changes is you, and you have not changed for the better."

"I'd have to disagree with that. If either one of us haven't changed for the better, then it would be you. You became devious, threatening both me and Lady Athena, and involving yourself in matters that isn't your business. I'm disappointed with you, and that isn't going to be changing anytime soon."

While Paladin and Ashley are dancing with each other. Messiah, Lady Athena, and Alexon were all watching from the table. Lady Athena had her arms tightly crossed, as she clenched her teeth and watched. While Messiah was shaking his head.

"What the fuck happened? Literally, Paladin was against dancing with her and denied her two separate times. Then from out of nowhere, he changed his mind after she whispered a few things to him. Alexon, do you know what the hell happened?"

Alexon shook his head.

"I'm afraid to say myself, but I'm rather confused by this whole situation. I originally suggested to Paladin, that he should accept the dance--"

Lady Athena was listening in on Messiah and Alexon's conversation. When she heard him mention he originally suggested dancing with Ashley, she was angered.

"Why!"

"Yeah, why?"

Alexon sighed and shook his head.

"Because the attention on us was too much. The Inquisition needs to maintain its political status, and we cannot take any chances that something so simple will ruin it. However, Paladin went against my advice originally."

Messiah tilted his head slightly.

"Oh? So what could've Ashley had possibly have told him to change his mind? Did she offer something?"

"I don't believe so. From what it seemed, Paladin was angered by Ashley. Something she whispered to him, pissed him off. However, whatever pissed him off, was clearly something that forced him into making the decision to dance with her."

"So... it's possible he was threatened?"

"Possibly, but there are also many other possibilities."

Lady Athena didn't keep listening to their conversation. As she couldn't help but stare at Ashley and Paladin's dance. She had her eyes squinted, as she watched with anger. Unbeknownst to her, Lady Saber walked up to stand behind her. Lady Saber knew more than everyone else about what was happening, which made her understand Lady Athena's feelings on the situation more than most.

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