Never belonged to her

"What? The Crown Prince is pleading for forgiveness from His Majesty!?" Queen Verlina's voice trembled with disbelief. How could her son be punished when he had made the right decision in disciplining Dahlia?

Her heart raced as she hurried to the palace grounds, where she found her son, Daedric, kneeling before the King, pleading for forgiveness. Verlina's chest tightened at the sight. As she took a step forward, determined to intervene, a valet quickly blocked her path, his voice low but firm. "Your Majesty, please. The King may punish you as well if you interfere."

Before she could react, Daedric's voice cut through the tension. "Mother, I made a mistake. Please, stay out of this." His plea was filled with both regret and resolve, causing her heart to ache even more. He had never looked so defeated.