"She loves her," Zein said in the empty pavilion with just them and the closed chest. "She still does."
Zein could tell that Princess Devika wasn't the type to use a soft approach like her stepmother, the Queen. She could not bring herself to feign a smile and disdain as she spoke sweet words to entice others. She did not want to stay in the shadow; she wanted to be the light.
She wanted to be the Queen ruling the kingdom, not a consort for some rich businessman.
In a way, she knew it was her fate. She probably looked upon Svadeva, who had to receive the same treatment. She wanted her Aunt to show her that there was a way out. And yet, she was left in disappointment; the only answer she got was that...she had to run away.
