Eleanor woke to a pounding headache, her mind swirling with fragments of conversations that weren't her own. The system's monotone voice echoed in her thoughts, announcing her reward: You have unlocked the ability to read minds for one hour.
At first, she thought it was a blessing. The idea of hearing unspoken truths intrigued her. But as the minutes passed, she realized the gift came with a curse. Every thought in her household echoed in her mind, layering on top of one another until it became a cacophony she couldn't escape.
During breakfast with her parents, the ability was in full force. The Duke, her father, sat at the head of the table, quietly chewing his toast while his mind hummed with plans for a court proposal involving one of their estate's lands. The Duchess, on the other hand, radiated excitement.
Eleanor is making progress with the prince. Soon, she'll be queen, and I'll be the Queen's mother.
