Chapter 35. Velmora

The maids hesitated, but then bowed and stepped away, leaving the chamber in silence.

Melva stood by the door, eyes wide with disbelief. “My Lady… what are you—”

“I need to see her,” Althea cut in gently. “If I don’t face her head-on, she’ll just keep trying to crush me in the shadows.”

She wanted to read the Queen Mother's thoughts, anything to help her plan ahead and see if there was still a chance to fix things. A chance to make up for what her father had done.

Deep down, she also wanted to meet Princess Riela, though she knew that wouldn’t be easy—not yet.

Her gaze drifted to the table, where breakfast had already been laid out. Her stomach turned with unease.

“Melva,” Althea said quietly, “don’t eat anything they give us. Everyone here hates me. If they can poison me, they will.”

“I understand, My Lady.” Melva nodded. “Actually, I’ve already spoken with Beta Osman. I asked if we could grow our own crops like we used to back in the pack.