"It's hard for me to believe too… that he could actually do something like this," Liora whispered, her voice trembling as her gaze fell to the floor.
The polished stone reflected faint patches of light. "But now… having seen it with my own eyes, I know it's true. It really happened."
Elara's eyes followed Liora, she seemed lost in disbelief, her hands clenching into tight fists at her sides.
Her shoulders shook slightly, as though the burden of this revelation threatened to topple her entirely.
"Now that I see what he did to you…" Liora's voice faltered, a bitter edge creeping into her words, "…I don't even know how many others over the years might have been subjected to the same deception, all while he maintained this… image of a benevolent, devoted husband. A perfect king, a perfect husband… all a lie." She finally lifted her eyes to Elara, meeting hers with a mix of guilt, sorrow, and urgency.
