"All I did was for the prosperity of Astaria," Annequin began, pacing now as her voice rose with indignation. "Even though every single citizen there hated my ass…"
Violet and the Cardinal Alphas stood silently, watching as Annequin ranted with a fervor that felt wildly out of character compared to the smug Fae they had met earlier.
"What did I even do wrong?" Annequin demanded, throwing her hands into the air. "Perhaps I imprisoned a few council members who insulted my dear family. And yes, I may have turned their relatives into peasants."
She waved a hand dismissively.
"Okay, maybe I also ordered a statue or two built in my honor. But the point is I made Astaria the stronghold it is today!"
Her chest heaved with pride.
"I eliminated every threat that dared to suggest my family wasn't worthy of ruling Astaria. While my parents were busy fulfilling their sacred duty of replenishing the Dark Fae population, I was the one holding the kingdom together."
She scoffed bitterly.
