Riley had noticed it for a while now.
The Frost Queen was absolute here.
Even without raising her voice.
Even without threatening anyone.
He could sense it — that faint ripple of dissatisfaction among the servants whenever she made certain decisions.
The generals outside?
They weren't entirely pleased either.
Some of them still carried quiet resentment from the massacre he brought.
But the moment she spoke…
It ended.
It wasn't blind loyalty.
It was recognition of power.
Riley didn't know much about her.
Not her past.
Not what shaped her into this kind of ruler.
So seeing this side of her was… interesting.
He couldn't say the same about the White Queen from before.
Back then, things were different.
The White Queen's story — her tragedy, her choices — were tied deeply to Alice.
To Alice's feelings.
To Alice's narrative.
Riley had been involved, yes.
But he hadn't truly understood her.
And sometimes, he regretted that.
