Jasmine's POV
The palace felt colder than usual as I waited for my sister's arrival. Jessy was coming, and she was bringing our stepmother, Loise, with her. My stomach churned with dread.
The grand doors swung open, and there they were. Jessy strode in first, her head held high, her pregnant belly on full display. Behind her, Stepmother glided in, her eyes sweeping the room with disdain.
"Well, well," Jessy drawled, her eyes fixing on me. "If it isn't the unlovable slut of a queen herself."
I flinched but forced myself to stand tall. "Welcome, Jessy. Stepmother. I hope your journey was pleasant."
Stepmother's lips curled into a sneer. "As pleasant as it can be, traveling to this dreary place."
Her words brought back a sudden, vivid memory. I was ten years old, cowering in a corner as
