~Katrina~
Queen Fortuna appeared, stepping out of nowhere like a shadow that never left. She didn't speak at first, didn't need to. She walked straight to my seat, and I knew what that meant. I stood without a word and slid to the next chair. Of course, the king didn't stop her. What could he say? This was her place. She was the legal wife. The throne beside him belonged to her, and only her.
She sat down gracefully, like she owned the world, then leaned closer to me. Her voice was soft, but her words cut like a blade.
"Don't ever think of stealing my place," she whispered.
"Or else what?" I said without thinking. My heart was already pounding, but I didn't want her to see the fear.
"If I didn't spare my own sister," she said slowly, "what makes you think I'll spare you? Don't underestimate me, Katrina. There were many before you. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're special. None of them lasted. None of them are standing today—except me."
