Chapter 163. The First Test

Princess Elena’s POV

“You’ve all dealt with powerful women before,” I said calmly. “If I want Queen Gloria to accept me, what advice would you give me?”

Damian answered first, without shame. “I usually don’t do anything. They come to me.”

I didn’t even glance his way. My eyes shifted to Philip. He thought for a moment, then said carefully, “You don’t approach someone like her blindly. You learn her first. What she values. Who she trusts. What irritates her. Power like hers isn’t random, it has patterns.”

That made sense.

I turned to Evelyn, the only one who actually knew Queen Gloria beyond rumors. Her expression darkened slightly. “She doesn’t relax,” Evelyn said. “She doesn’t indulge. No hobbies. No social circles. It’s either council meetings or isolation. She’s sharp, unforgiving, and brutally honest. Winning her approval won’t be easy.”

Damian scoffed. “Then buy her something expensive. Jewelry or rare handbags, women love that.”