Inside the palace, Queen Lucia sat regally on an ornate chaise. Two servants stood nearby, each wielding a large fan to keep the Queen comfortable. It was in this opulent setting that Queen Lucia summoned Iris to her presence.

"Your Majesty, Iris is here," a maidservant informed the Queen, who looked toward the entrance.

Iris entered with her gaze low and bowed to the Queen in respect.

Lucia left her seat on the chaise and walked up to Iris. She lifted her chin and looked at her face. "So, you are the woman who has been staying close to my son," she stated.

Iris kept her gaze down, not daring...