Understand Her Better

"But I began to understand her feelings and her choices. King Alois doted on her from the outside. However, he was actually controlling her, and it was sweltering for her. She also wasn't allowed to play with her half-brother, being brainwashed by her own father that the brother was not good enough to play with her," Niels continued. 

He paused, lowering his head. "I feel bad for Runa. She only wants to be loved. Do you know why she loves me? I asked her once, and her answer made me understand."

"Why?"

"Because I was the only person who treated her like she was a normal person," Niels divulged. "How sad is that?"

It was true. Even Yohana felt a pang in her chest. For someone like Runa, being treated like a human instead of the crown princess might be what she needed most.