Chapter 199

• My voice softened, shifting from the firm, commanding tone I had used earlier to one that carried a quiet, refined warmth.
• “Your Highness,” I said, my eyes calm, “I wish you a long and fulfilling life, as steadfast and enduring as a mountain.”
• Hazel’s eyes narrowed, then slowly drifted away from my poised expression. Whatever resentment she had been clinging to faded behind a practiced social mask. “Thank you, Cassandra,” she said coolly. “Please, bring the gift forward.”