"Your Imperial Majesty," Evangeline began, her voice dripping with a dangerous mix of disbelief and bitter irony, "are these twisted, underhanded methods always your ultimate solution to everything? Is this how you rule?"
Refina laughed—a rich, melodic sound that held no shame, only the sheer amusement of a woman who had conquered a court filled with vultures. She adjusted the heavy gold rings on her fingers, looking entirely unbothered. "Why, my dear? Do you not find my little alternative appealing? It is pragmatic."
Evangeline stared at her mother, her gaze hardening into a sheet of absolute ice. The sheer audacity of the suggestion made her chest tighten. "I am still a married queen, Mother. And I still have a reputation to maintain, as you well know. I will not drag my name through the mud."
