And suddenly, almost inexplicably, Penelope thought of the whispers and ridicule, the laughter following her family like shadows.
The Queen's gaze sharpened slightly then. "You have already suffered society's cruelty once," She said, and Penelope looked up before she could stop herself.
Her Majesty held her gaze steadily. "Do you believe a crown renders one blind? That I spend my days draped in silk and diamonds while remaining ignorant of what unfolds within my own kingdom?" She asked lightly, though one could tell the intention in her voice.
In truth, Penelope thought that of the Queen. After all, the rumors she'd grown up with were how cruel and powerful Queen Gwyneth was.
As though reading the thought across her face, Her Majesty's expression softened.
"Society remembers scandals far longer than it remembers suffering," She said quietly. "… and it is rarely kind to the women caught in their wake."
The words settled heavily between them.
