324 Violet: As You Sow

"Sire, with the greatest of respect, that past was different. Back then, it was a pair of silly maidens fighting over the same man." Violet deliberately kept her voice soft, her eyes downcast. "I never dreamed I'd fall pregnant and when I did, I was so terrified I vowed never to return to court. And though I gained much in the end, I also lost a great deal. I have to live the rest of my days without my other half at my side."

Violet's eyes unexpectedly filled with tears, but dammit, the loss of Ilse still hurt after all these years. The pain of it would still sometimes hit her when she least expected it, like a knife suddenly twisting in her ribs.

She took a breath and looked at the king and queen briefly before continuing.

"I can't defend my actions back then except to say that they belonged to a girl that never considered consequences. Whereas now, Sancia knows exactly what she's doing. I also don't agree with my sister's actions because of the age."