Aelira watched Aurelia closely, searching her face for understanding. Making sure she understood her history and enemity with Rhaelynn.
It came slowly—first in Aurelia's eyes, then in the subtle tightening of her lips, the quiet stillness that told Aelira the truth had settled where it needed to. Only then did she continue.
"When Rhaelynn came into the palace," Aelira said, her voice steady though something old stirred beneath it, "Ardyn made no effort to hide her. He made sure I noticed her presence. He gave her jewels, gowns, attention—lavish displays meant to wound rather than please. Every corridor whispered her name. Every servant knew who warmed his bed. And for a young wedded wife, your husband taking a concubine just weeks into your marriage was all the more humiliating."
She paused, fingers curling lightly against the arm of her chair.
