Crimson Rose Queen

(The Chancellor's Welcome)

Father's bow was ice. "Empress."

I stepped past his courtesy. "Daddy dearest."

The courtyard froze. Even Mother blanched.

Inside, the mask dropped. "You imbecile!" Father's cane cracked against the table. "Three days! Three days as Queen, and you've turned the court against us!"

I twirled a lock of hair. "Correction: You sold your daughter to a man who despises her. I merely... clarified the terms."

His slap never landed.

I caught his wrist, nails digging in. "Try that again, and the entire capital hears how Chancellor Sterling pimps his own blood."

(Mother's Confession)

Later, Mother crept into my room with lavender cakes—"Your favorite."

Her hands trembled. "Forgive me. The rumors... your 'preferences'... I never thought—"

Preferences?

She misinterpreted my silence. "That night you told Nurse Margaret you'd drink poison before letting the King touch you..." A sob. "My brave girl. Protecting her even now."

Her?

The locket burned against my skin.