I stood, rising from my chair with a simmering mixture of defiance and sorrow. Just as I began to step away, Lyle's voice, soft and tremulous, interrupted my silent reverie.
"Is this the only way? Is this truly the reason why you became the Archduchess?"
His question, wrapped in sadness and genuine confusion, echoed in the quiet space between us. I turned my head slowly, my eyes glistening in the dim light, and replied with a biting edge to each word:
"All I have endured over these past years—all that has been inflicted upon my life—do you honestly think this is not enough? Do you believe this is some mere baseless vengeance?" I scoffed, my tone rising with bitter resignation.
"You do not know the depths of the pain I have suffered. None of this torment would have come to pass if they had not done that to me."