"Your Majesty, your presence around my daughter must be a comfort to her," Samyra said softly. "Even when I visit her now, she feels… distant. But I must live with that. It's the price I pay for always hurting her."
Mabel's expression remained composed, her tone even as she answered, "We both share complicated bonds with our children. I treated Gabriel no better. When I discovered the truth, I was shattered. I ruined my relationship with my son. I knew he would grow to hate me. What I didn't know was that a witch's trick had stolen him from me long before. You weren't happy with what Amelie was, while I… I was terrified of losing Gabriel."
Samyra gave a faint nod, her eyes heavy with understanding. "All we can do now is wait for them to heal."
Mabel studied her for a moment before shifting the topic. "And what about Flora? Amelie often tells me she isn't doing well."
