My fingers brushed lightly across the queen's cheek, testing her sleep.
Her face remained calm, breathing steady, lips barely parted in soft snores.
I watched her for a moment, then whispered under my breath, amused.
"Looks like the queen is a heavy sleeper."
The words felt too loud in the silent royal bedchamber.
My gaze shifted to the king.
He lay just as motionless beside her, chest rising and falling peacefully, completely unaware.
I couldn't help it.
The thought hit me sharp and sudden.
"No," I muttered, a dark smile spreading across my face. "Both of them are heavy sleepers."
Maria's voice replayed in my mind, calm and unflinching:
The queen. Rebecca's own mother. married the king for power, status, and wealth. She never cared for her daughter. Worse, she sometimes encouraged the Supreme Empress to perform more experiments on Rebecca.
I spat quietly onto the carpet.
"You're definitely the worst parent in the world."
The truth settled heavier in my chest.
