I waited the entire day, hoping Valentina would show up again or at least send another message, but she didn’t. My heart remained restless. I couldn’t stop thinking about the letter. Could Damien really be that sick? Could someone’s love truly drive them into self-destruction?
The next morning came faster than I wanted. As usual, we were all seated at the royal dining table for breakfast. I was unusually quiet, still caught in my thoughts. Wilson kept shooting me sharp glances, his eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite read — resentment, suspicion, perhaps even jealousy. I ignored him.
Once breakfast was over, everyone left the table except for me and the Queen. She had finished eating but didn’t rise from her seat. I felt her gaze linger on me before she finally spoke.
“Emily,” s
