Sparing

Ave and Prince Aaron walked up to where everyone was gathered in the shade to watch the fight. They came to stand beside where Prince Orion and the other Pendragon Princesses were standing, and upon noticing Ave, they moved to stand next to her, while pushing Aaron away to the side, where Celeste was standing next to him instead of Ave.

"Selene, we are sorry about your disposal. If we hadn't arrived late, perhaps the Emperor wouldn't have announced it in the open," Thalia whispered in remorse. There was nothing more embarrassing and dignity-stripping than being publicly disposed of in front of everyone.