"I didn't come to insult you, Queen Maeve. I came to offer a solution."
Maeve's anger simmered into cautious curiosity. She lifted a skeptical eyebrow, leaning slightly forward. "What do you mean by that?"
Queen Nirvana's smile widened, knowing she had captured Maeve's interest. "As much as I would benefit immensely if your son loses the death duel..." she began carefully, watching Maeve's eyes darken, "the consequences don't stop there. Should the dark Fae prince defeat Valerie, my son Theodore would be his next target. And if he overcomes Theodore, he might then come for Andre," she added, casting a meaningful glance at Queen Victoria. "Aldric won't stop until he gets what he wants."
Victoria, sitting between them, let out a deep breath. The tension in the room intensified, and she could sense the rising stakes. Maeve's scowl deepened, her eyes flickering with a mix of suspicion and reluctant interest.
