Aliana's POV

I raised a brow. “Oh? Should I tell Freddy you’re trying to steal my throne?”

She smirked. “Please. Freddy already knows I’m his biggest threat.”

I erupted with laughter, almost sputtering my coffee.

Lord, I really required this.

After all I had experienced—after the bloodshed, the betrayals, the conflicts for power—I required a moment to simply breathe.

A moment when I wasn't a queen, a warrior, a planner—but simply myself.

Mercy put a piece of fruit in her mouth, observing me intently.

"Thus, you've officially claimed your throne," she reflected.

I raised an eyebrow. “You seem taken aback.”

She gave a smirk. "I am not." "It's strange to...