Rosalind was led toward the throne hall, and despite trying to steady herself, her thoughts kept circling around the same question.

Why would the queen want to see someone like her?

"Your Majesty," the guard said with a bow before the throne.

Rosalind quickly lowered her head as well.

"Leave us," the queen ordered calmly.

The guard retreated at once, and Rosalind slowly lifted her gaze. Only then did she realize the queen was not alone. Another lady, perhaps around Rosalind’s age, sat beside her, though there was no smile on the young woman’s face. If anything, she looked slightly disheartened.

But that was not what shocked Rosalind the most.

It was the tiger resting beside the queen.

The beast wore a gold collar, though no chain held it.

A low growl rumbled from its throat, and Rosalind froze immediately when she saw it rise to its feet and begin walking toward her.

Her eyes widened in terror as she instinctively took a step backward. "Do not worry," the queen said gently. "It will not harm you."

Maybe you should ask it to sit down first, Rosalind thought fearfully as the huge beast kept approaching her.

Her heart pounded so loudly she could hear it ringing inside her ears, and every part of her screamed to run. This was the first time she had ever seen a creature this massive standing so close to her, yet no one else seemed alarmed.

Instead, they were calmly telling her it was harmless.

"Mother, you’re frightening her," the younger lady said as she glanced toward the queen.

The queen sighed softly before turning to the tiger. "Lory, come here."

By then the tiger had already stopped directly in front of Rosalind, and she had nearly stopped breathing altogether. Her legs felt rooted to the floor.

She could not even believe she had remained standing there instead of fleeing.

Then the tiger finally turned away from her and padded back toward the queen.

Rosalind released the breath she had been holding and pressed a trembling hand against her chest while trying to steady herself.

The tiger returned to the queen’s side, and the woman gently stroked its head while it leaned into her touch. "I can tell you are new here," the queen said as she looked at Rosalind. "Where do you come from?"

Rosalind swallowed nervously as she looked back at the woman.

The queen had black hair, greenish eyes, and a small birthmark beneath one eye. Though she was older, she carried herself with elegance and grace, and she was still remarkably beautiful.

"Uhm... I cannot really say," Rosalind answered carefully.

"The queen asked you a question and you cannot answer?" the young lady beside her asked with a raised brow.

Rosalind’s eyes shifted toward her. She shared similar features with the queen and was clearly her daughter.

"It is alright," the queen said before Rosalind could respond. "Not everyone is comfortable speaking openly. She must have her reasons."

Relief settled quietly inside Rosalind. She was grateful the queen did not press further. The last thing she wanted was to reveal she was a runaway from Eryndor.

"But I can tell you are an elegant young woman," the queen continued. "Which is why I do not understand why you would resort to stealing. It is quite disgraceful for someone like you."

Rosalind lowered her gaze in shame and bit lightly on her lower lip. "Why did you do it?" the queen asked.

"I was just really hungry," Rosalind admitted softly.

"You could have simply asked," the queen said. "I am certain someone would have helped you. People in Merovia are taught to share."

Except Rosalind had asked.

The woman at the shop had refused her completely even after Rosalind promised she would repay the food later, and that was why she had stolen the bun in the first place.

Still, if things in Merovia were not so expensive now, perhaps she would never have reached that point at all.

Rosalind sighed inwardly at the thought, though without realizing it, she had spoken the words aloud.

The queen blinked in surprise, and even the princess beside her looked startled.

This girl truly said whatever came to her mind.

"Merovia has been struggling with inflation lately," the queen explained calmly. "The prices of things have risen because of it. It is not usually this difficult."

Only then did Rosalind realize she had spoken openly. "I am sorry, Your Majesty," she said quickly. "I did not mean to offend you."

"No offence taken," the queen replied kindly. "If anything, I am sorry you had to go through such hardship. I would prefer every citizen of Merovia to live comfortably."

Rosalind could not hide her surprise at the woman’s kindness. The queen was gentle, easy to speak with, and she had even apologized to Rosalind for the inconvenience she faced.

The warmth in the woman’s voice stirred something inside her chest.

Rosalind could not explain it properly, but she felt strangely safe here.

Well... except for the tiger.

The queen then turned toward her daughter. "Hannah, would you give that to her please?"

The princess nodded before rising gracefully from her seat and walking toward Rosalind.

"Her Majesty would like you to have this," Hannah said with a small smile. "You should show your gratitude."

Rosalind carefully received the pouch of coins from her hands, her eyes widening slightly in disbelief.

It truly felt as though her terrible luck had suddenly begun changing.

As Hannah returned to sit beside the queen once more, Rosalind bowed deeply. "I am truly grateful, Your Majesty," she said sincerely. "I pray you live long, remain happy, and have every wish in your heart fulfilled."

"Thank you, child," the queen said gently. "You may go now, and don’t steal again."

Rosalind smiled at her at once. "I promise, Your Majesty," she replied earnestly.

The queen gave a small nod, and soon Rosalind was escorted out of the throne hall. Before leaving completely, she turned back one last time and found the queen already watching her. Rosalind smiled again before continuing on her way.

Not long after, the queen stood by the tall window overlooking the palace grounds, her gaze following Rosalind, who was now walking happily across the courtyard with the pouch of coins clutched tightly in her hands.

"Mother, I heard you released the thief." The prince stepped beside her, his expression carrying clear disapproval. "And you even rewarded her?" he added, raising an eyebrow.

The queen sighed softly. "You can tell she is not that kind of person. She must be struggling terribly, otherwise she would never have done something like that."

Marek shook his head lightly. "What would people say if they learned the Queen of Merovia rewards stealing? Releasing her was already generous enough, but giving her that much silver..." He trailed off before leaning closer and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"You are seeing pieces of Sophia in that girl, Mother. I know that’s what you’re thinking."

The queen looked away quietly. "I was not thinking about..."

"You were," Marek interrupted gently. "I know you too well. But I’m certain Sophia is nothing like that feisty little thief" His voice softened further. "If fate is kind, Sophia will find her way back to us someday."

"Marek..." the queen whispered, her eyes turning misty. "It has been so many years."

He turned fully toward her and held both her hands carefully. "Then we should not lose hope after all this time," he said firmly. "She will return to us."

The queen nodded faintly, and Marek pulled her into a quiet embrace.

A short distance away, Princess Hannah stood silently behind one of the pillars, having heard every word. A painful feeling settled heavily in her chest as she watched them together. She had always known she was not the true princess of Merovia, and although the queen had treated her with kindness and love, there was still a place in the queen’s heart that belonged to her lost daughter alone.

And no matter how hard Hannah tried, she could never truly take that place.