The previous Queen was visibly stunned after hearing what her son said. She had no idea how to react to his confession. She thought that only she and Lady Tyra were aware of Esther's true identity and that they were able to successfully fool everyone within the palace.
Guilt could be seen on her exhausted face as she let out a helpless sigh. All these years, keeping Esther's secret from her son had become a thorn in her heart. "Can you forgive your mother? I didn't wish to hide it from you, son, but I thought it was better that you learn of her secret from her own mouth."
"I don't blame you for not telling me, after all, it is her secret and she trusted you enough to keep it."
"Theron—"
"Still, her identity never mattered to me. If she's more comfortable with me not knowing her true identity, then I will do my best to pretend to be ignorant for her sake. But…now everything seems so meaningless."
