Part 79

My Stone,

Do you still remember when I told you the story of how your mother and I first met? I just made it up; it was all a lie. It turned out that she didn't love me after all; she had her sights set on a much more noble and better suitor. Because their love is true, there is no one—not even the queen—who can put an end to it. That's right; it wasn't me but King Lucien. The feeling I have for Catina is unrequited, and I cannot betray him because I value our friendship too highly.

Lucien was always there when she played, not me. Her most devoted admirer was the king. If you see how happy they are together, you'd think they'd be together forever. Your mother has such a deep and abiding love for him, but it was never enough for him because she was never part of a royal family. Catina knew what would happen if she loved a prince, and so did Lucien. It's love between them versus the entire nation. They were up against a slew of foes.

Your mother, Catina, was not a part of Lucien's fu