NORA POV
I kept my face steady while the queen mother spoke, but it was not easy. She called me a “rag.”. The things she was saying were hurtful, and even though she spoke calmly and without raising her voice, each word carried a weight that I felt deeply. I told myself it was not something to take personally, that this was normal and I should act like it did not affect me. Madam Kaelene had already trained me for situations like this. She always said I must never break down or show emotions in front of anyone, that tears are private and should only be seen in my own reflection. Remembering that advice helped me hold my composure, but inside I was tense and uncomfortable.
She did not stop after her first comment. She would pause, then make another statement that was clearly meant for me.
