Trigger warning: This chapter contains mentions of child abuse!
His breathing grew uneven, chest rising and falling too quickly, and she could see the battle raging behind his eyes. Circe said nothing more. She kept her hand where it was, and gave him the silence he needed.
Several thoughts flashed through his mind at that moment, memories he would give anything to erase permanently.
"I was twelve when it started," he said suddenly.
Circe stilled, every muscle in her body going taut.
"I had already been living in the palace for five years by then and in that time, the queen did everything she could to isolate me. She despised me from the moment she learned of my existence. She knew about my father's affairs, yet I never once saw her confront him about them, no matter how much they clearly wounded her pride. Instead, she reserved her anger for me. She took it out on me whenever she pleased." His jaw tightened.
