Amara, Niko, & Tegan
Tegan didn't miss the look of shock that passed through the other woman's eyes at how long Tegan and Niko were together. Tegan felt the first stirrings of annoyance at her mate for his ignorance of this entire situation. But the phoenix was quite sure to keep it off her face, keeping her face schooled in a bright smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. Amara's own barb back about having no idea only hiked up her own simmering annoyance at the handsome lion. This was one of her worst nightmares.
And Niko continued to be blissfully unaware of the stupidity he was perpetuating as he teased the other lioness, assuring her with a wink that he wasn't keeping secrets, especially not from her. Tegan couldn't quite keep that perfect smile up as her lips tightened into a more tight-lipped smile. How by the Emperor had she NEVER heard of this woman? Niko had never mentioned her and if he had, clearly Tegan had forgotten about her with the infrequency of her name being mentioned.
At the mention of plans for the family, Tegan tensed and turned those ever-changing eyes that were a dangerous smokey grey at the moment, on Niko. His hand smoothed over her back and she let out a soft breath as he gently calmed her. Her annoyance had raised to simmering anger. A waiter crossed by them and paused with champagne, which Tegan took from him with a soft thank you. Niko continued to put his very expensive designer shoe into his mouth as he said they should all spend time together, that he wanted her to get to know those he was close to at court. Meaning her, this Amara woman, whom SHE HAD NEVER HEARD OF BUT WAS ONE OF HIS "CLOSE" FRIENDS. That simmering anger made her clench her jaw as she smiled, trying not to show how upset she was. He wanted them to be friends.
"I'm sure Amara has more pres-sing things to entertain than s-showing me around," she said, her voice warm with emotions as her stutter resurfaced. This only made her more angry and she was embarrassed and upset. Raising the glass to her lips, she could feel her cheeks heat up with embarrassment. It had been years since she'd stuttered like this. She tightened her hold on Niko's arm as she dropped her eyes away from the gorgeous lioness eyeing her.