Queen Elena swallowed hard. Never had she seen such heartlessness. Theron and the others soon arrived; everything was set. Kallin stepped forward. He had a golden bracelet made for her, and so he handed it to her.
"Since you didn't tell me if you liked the previous gift I sent, I made this one."
Queen Elena stared down at the box, her hands trembling as she received it. It weighed nothing, but in her hands it felt heavy. Her heart pounded.
"What other gift?" she demanded.
Kallin turned, a little taken aback. "We sent gifts when brother Edmon was leaving last time. I sent something for you, and so did the consort."
Queen Elena's gaze burned on her son. She had not received any.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Kallin nodded and stepped away—no hug, no affection. It was like every other person. Theron had made something, and he not only gifted her another gold piece but also a chain made of the finest materials.
"This is a gift from the king, and I hope you like it."
