Nor’s regal demeanor relaxed into an expression of unvarnished sincerity. She stepped into the cell and placed both her hands around her daughter’s face. This time, it was not a gesture of admonition or treachery, it was a display of infinite affection and solidarity. The queen stared pointedly into her daughter’s eyes.
“You asked me if I have ever been in love,” she said. “I realize now that I have. You are my only love. I would rather lose the Crown than lose you.”
Allegra threw her arms around her mother and squeezed her more tightly than she ever had. Queen Nor returned the effusive embrace but only for a moment. Before she could be overwhelmed herself, she pulled away and regained her composure.
“Come,” the queen said, quickly and discreetly wiping a tear from her own cheek.
Alle
