"Yes," Althea replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Robin."
Robin's fists clenched at his sides. "What about me?" he demanded, his voice louder now. "What about us? I thought you loved me!"
"I did. I still do," she admitted, her voice breaking. "But… I love him more. I'm sorry."
Robin stood there, the weight of her words crashing down on him. Then, almost out of nowhere, a spark of hope lit in his eyes.
"Wait a second. You said you came from a small tribe, right? Less than a thousand people? Do you have customs or traditions where men fight for a woman's hand? Because if that's the case, I'll challenge him. I'll crush this Ross guy and win you back!"
Althea gave him a bittersweet smile. "There is a tradition. It's called Lagus. It's a duel meant to resolve conflicts, but…"
"But what?" Robin prodded, his excitement building.