Room For Another

"I thought I told you not to summon me ever again," Ramirez scowled as he appeared in the room, his voice dripping with irritation. 

His eyes swept across the room, searching for Queen Maeve, only to find her seated with her back turned to him, her foot tapping restlessly against the floor.

He waited for a response, except none came. The silence stretched for far too long until Ramirez couldn't stand it anymore. He strode ahead, his anger rising. 

"I meant it when I said—" His words caught in his throat as he rounded to face her. 

There were tears on her face. 

Queen Maeve, the proud and unshakable ruler of the Summer Court, was crying. 

Her perfect mask had cracked, revealing a vulnerability he had never thought possible.