~Alistair's POV~
I waited a beat, making sure she was truly finished. I didn't rush. I didn't raise my voice. I just looked at her and for the first time, I didn't see a queen. I saw a hollow woman.
"You know, Mom," I started slowly…
"You know, Mom," I started slowly, my voice calm and steady. "In the past, I would have cried. I would have run away, accepting your cruelty because I thought it came from a place of love for Alex. But I realize now that this has nothing to do with his happiness. You don't want him happy; you just want to control him."
She blinked, clearly stunned that not a single tear had escaped my eyes. I leaned in, my gaze unwavering.
