Jayden's POV
The dining room fell into a suffocating quiet after Ebony posed her question.
I studied Father's face as something raw flickered behind his eyes. His throat worked as he swallowed, then his hand reached desperately across the mahogany table to find Mother's. The Queen's slender fingers intertwined with his, and despite her attempts to appear composed, I caught the rapid blinking that fought back unshed tears.
Mother was the one who finally broke the crushing silence.
"We have no idea when she might return," her words came out barely above a whisper, each syllable threatening to shatter.
Ebony sank deeper into her chair, moisture gathering in her eyes.
"It's been so many years... and I ache for her. At school, she treats me like I'm invisible, like we never shared anything."
Father's mouth compressed into a grim line, but he managed a nod.
