Because of this, a constant sense of guilt overwhelmed Loya whenever she faced the queen. She felt remorse for deceiving not only the queen but also the entire empire. Using the queen's motherly love for the princess to her advantage only intensified her feelings of guilt.
In an effort to repay the queen's affection, Loya dedicated herself to studying ancient delicacies and honing her skills. Upon leaving the king's chambers, she made her way straight to the palace kitchen. After preparing a delectable pudding, she carried it to the garden in search of the queen.
"Mother, look what I've made!" Loya beamed, placing the pudding into the waiting hands of a maidservant on the stone table in the garden.
The queen, engrossed in arranging flowers, caught sight of Loya and eagerly instructed someone to clear the flowers from the stone table. She then pulled Loya closer, her eyes fixed upon her.
