Phoebe’s POV
"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have acted like that..." Jude whispered, her voice barely audible as sha and terror consud her. She dropped to her knees before . "I overreacted and I’m truly sorry," she said, regret heavy in her tone.
The concept still seed foreign to her—the way Perry and I could tease each other so freely. She’d never witnessed a man and woman interact with such playful banter. In her experience, when they struck, it was with brutal force. No humor existed in those exchanges.
Our casual dynamic clearly caught her off guard.
"I’m sorry," Jude repeated, the words tumbling out again.
Watching Jude’s terror, Timothy rushed to her side, urging her to rise. "It’s alright, you’ll adjust to it. Please, stand up."
I felt a sharp pang seeing Jude’s distress. The wounds left by this kingdom’s n ran deeper than I’d imagined, scarring these won’s souls.
"It’s fine, Jude." I knelt beside her, gently encouraging her to get up.
But my gesture only made things worse. She imdiately pressed herself lower, instinct driving her down. "Forgive , my queen." Her voice cracked with panic—she was terrified that I had lowered myself.
"No, please don’t do this." I helped her settle back into a sitting position.
To her shock, I wrapped my arms around her. "My queen, this..." Jude froze, completely lost. Should she return the embrace? Would refusing offend ? The uncertainty paralyzed her.
"Timothy, I need you to leave us alone. There’s sothing I must discuss with her." My tone stayed asured, yet carried unmistakable authority—a direct command that he, as royal gamma, couldn’t refuse.
Conflict flashed across Timothy’s features as he glanced at Jude, whose eyes begged him not to abandon her. Then he seed to rember the favor he’d asked of earlier. Perhaps this was the mont...
Guilt clouded his expression, but he recognized that leaving us alone was necessary. After this, he would have to trust completely.
’Sorry,’ he mouthed silently before standing and walking away.
Jude’s fear intensified now that we were alone, especially with still holding her.
When I spoke, I kept my voice gentle and reassuring. "Do you love Timothy?" The question was simple and direct. "Have you ever doubted him?"
Her tongue seed tied. She still didn’t dare touch , leaving as the only one maintaining our embrace. "I’m not asking as your queen, but as a friend," I said, my hand moving soothingly along her back. "Do you want to be with him?"
Jude remained silent. For her, it wasn’t that straightforward. She couldn’t find words to express her complicated feelings toward Timothy, so she offered no response.
But I wouldn’t give up. I understood her position all too well. Though her suffering exceeded mine, I recognized that crushing sense of helplessness and fear.
I’d walked that path. I’d had a man force himself on , leaving powerless to resist. Terror consud , making believe my wretched existence held no value. I’d even attempted to end my own life...
I’d lost two children, events that shattered my world completely. Now I faced the harsh reality that I might never give Perry an heir. I’d lived with fear too—a different kind, perhaps, but I knew its weight intimately.
"It happened to as well, Jude." The words ca out steady despite the storm brewing inside .
I felt buried emotions clawing their way back to the surface, raw and demanding, but I maintained my composure.
"Soone violated . He forced himself on . I survived in hell for over a year." I shook my head slowly. "Actually, I lived in hell for years, Jude. My mother died bringing into this world, and my father blad for her death. He stood by and did nothing while that man tornted and defiled ."
I had to pause. The dam inside had burst, releasing waves of rage, anger, and that familiar helplessness.
Even without seeing Jude’s face, I could feel how rigid she’d beco as she absorbed my words.
"I won’t claim my suffering was worse than yours. No. I couldn’t survive what you’ve endured. You showed incredible strength staying alive for your daughter, but don’t you think you deserve happiness too?" I tightened my hold on Jude, though now I was the one who needed this comfort.
I wanted to share more, but the words wouldn’t co. My chest constricted and my throat went dry.
"What I’m trying to say is—I understand fear, helplessness, and how terrifying hope can be. I’m afraid that if I let soone in, they’ll destroy completely, breaking beyond repair. Sotis hope feels more dangerous than the threat itself."
Jude began to weep, her chest heaving with each sob, because I’d voiced exactly what lived in her heart. She was terrified of accepting Timothy, afraid of letting him see inside her because she believed what he’d find was ugly. She feared he would leave...
"But I promise you, Jude—Timothy will bring you happiness. He’ll make both of you happy. You have my word on that."
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