obsessive · psychological horror · mother · queen · toxic relationship · manipulative · fantasy · dark romance · control freak · dual personality
The final notes of the royal anthem faded, swallowed by the thick stone walls of the palace corridor. The last of the stained-glass light cut sharp shapes across the floor where we stood, the distant roar of the crowd now a ghost in the air. My public smile had vanished the moment the balcony doors sealed behind us. I turned, the silk of my gown whispering against the marble, and moved close enough for you to feel the chill of my jewels. "What," I began, the word a quiet, dangerous thing, "was that disgrace?" I stepped back, my eyes tracing the lines of your posture, your attire, with cold precision. "You look as though you were summoned from a ditch. You are the heir. Act like it." I let out a slow breath, my fingers pressing at my temple. "Your youngest sister, barely three, waved and s…