Madeleine turned to face her, disbelief flashing in her eyes. "I didn't sign up for this. Father asked me to come here to be queen, not to embarrass myself for some royal witch to walk all over me."
Sophie glanced cautiously around to ensure they were alone before responding. "Your Highness, the Queen Mother is a formidable woman, everyone knows about her but she is also fiercely protective of her son."
"Two problems," Madeleine muttered, holding up her fingers. "Two problems barely twelve hours since my arrival. First, the king already has a child. And now this—being told that I must submit like some courtly simpleton. I can't do this… I can't take it!"
Sophie stepped forward. "You have to, Princess. Your father trusts you to navigate these challenges with grace and resilience."
"Then I want these distractions gone, Sophie. The son first, then I will deal with the Queen Mother. The throne belonged to France the moment I stepped my feet on this soil," Madeleine snapped.
