Aelira's fingers trembled faintly before stilling.
"I have carried the title of Cursed Queen since I arrived in this realm," Aurelia continued. "I have endured the whispers. The stares. The careful politeness that barely masks disdain. I accepted it because I believed I had at least one place where I was needed."
She swallowed once.
"When you lashed out that day, I realized that place did not exist."
The words did not rise in volume. They deepened.
Aelira's composure faltered.
"I did not intend to wound you so deeply."
"And yet you did."
Silence fell, heavy with acknowledgment.
Aurelia drew in a slow breath.
"Before coming here," she said, "I debated whether I should. I knew this conversation would not be easy. But I decided to come anyways."
"Then why come?" Aelira asked.
"Because I needed to release what I have been holding. All my dissatisfaction, my pent up anger and my sadness...I need to let it all out today."
