That landed. I saw it in the way her mouth tightened, the brief flash of something that might have been pride or might have been concern that I'd learned her lessons too well.
She changed tactics, her expression softening into something that looked almost vulnerable.
"I only want what is best for you."
"Do you?"
"Of course I do." She moved closer now, within touching distance, and her voice took on that gentle, wounded tone that had always worked on me when I was younger.
"You act as if I am your enemy when all I've ever done is love you. Everything I've built, every political maneuver, every alliance... it was all to protect you. To give you the power you deserved."
"And to keep it for yourself."
The words hung between us, sharp and undeniable.
Her expression flickered... just for a moment... before smoothing back into wounded confusion. "I fear you no longer need me.
