Cruel.

''Victoria, you have to forgive me and your mother. But most especially me.''

''You?'' She stopped to laugh like a wounded animal which was struggling not to break. ''I owe you nothing. Absolutely nothing!''

Her eyes started to go dark, the veins stretching down her lids. Veronika panicked but did her best not to let it show.

''Look, honey.'' The Queen resumed her words to Victoria. ''I understand you perfectly if you want to leave. Truly. For feeling as intense as your emotions are spilling right now, I do not judge you. Be mad at me, Victoria. Hit me.'' She walked toward her now. ''Curse me. Even hate me with all your gut.''

''That is very easy to do.'' Victoria bluffed but Veronika kept pushing forward to meet her.

''Yes, you can hate me as much but you know what my heart cannot take a second time?''

Victoria flinched the moment her silky hands brushed gently against hers.