pte

he always returned with a displeased look on his face, especially when he saw me. Even though I was young, I could tell he didn't like me. My mother was his wife,

d I do something wrong? Why doesn't Mother want

and hugged me. At that time, I couldn't

le status. They all knew Prime Minister Gill didn't like me, and after the King sent me

still patiently asked, "Today is your birthday. Is

mall pouch I had hidden under my pillow. "I ma

g interest. "Of course, I'

ned looking satisfied and even hugged me. The scent from him filled my nose, and I couldn't help but wrinkl

y allowed me to study with the princes. I didn't want to go because I remembered my mother's warning to never return to the

n nodded. "The palace is

asked, my young face c

can decide a person

itement. "If I have tha

, "Miss, your mother is a good person. She is trapped in the

"What else

tion and mockery I didn't understand. "Powe

blankly. She patted my back and carried me to

ered, her face disfigured beyond recognition. A sharp knife was lodged in her throat, with the wor

s the first lesson she taught me with her life: power. This was power. It allowed him to eas