Regina stood in the dim glow of her private drawing room, her hands trembling as they rested on the arms of her chair. Her untouched tea sat before her, the once-steaming liquid now cooling as time stretched on. Her breath hitched as she fought against the tears welling up in her eyes, refusing to let them fall in the presence of the king's messenger.
The man stood before her with an impassive expression, his posture stiff and formal. The royal crest gleamed on the wax-sealed letter he had delivered moments ago, but the weight of his words was far heavier than the parchment in her hands.
"You are hereby commanded to remain within your apartments under the supervision of the council," the messenger repeated in a steady, measured tone. "This is a temporary arrangement to ensure your sworn
