{Regina}
~**^**~
I lounged back on my velvet bedspread, one leg crossed over the other, as the servant carefully filed my nails.
She dared to ask, "My lady, what colour should I apply?"
I flicked my wrist dismissively. "Baby pink," I said.
As if it wasn't obvious. ESA strictly forbids loud colours—no deep reds or black. Light, soft shades only. Another stupid rule, but rules didn't matter as long as you ruled the people who made them.
Before the servant could move, the door opened and Mother stepped in. Her expression was strained, lips pursed, worry etched around her eyes.
I straightened and asked, "Mother? Why do you look so exhausted?"
She sighed. "Your father returned from the Alpha's residence. He's in a sour mood and won't speak to me about it."
At once, my pulse raced. Alpha Cyprus's residence?
I shoved the servant aside, making her stumble, and stood up so fast my slippers nearly slipped. "Why would Father go there?"
