Secret

"Mother, how can I win his heart?" Princess Jasminda pleaded, her voice cracking with desperation.

Queen Astrid's expression turned stern, her brow raised in disapproval. "What you should do, Jasminda, is abandon this futile pursuit. Cease forcing yourself upon a man who rejects your advances."

Jasminda's face contorted in anguish.

"This approach is unbecoming, especially for a princess courting royalty from another kingdom," Queen Astrid admonished. "Would you tarnish our family's reputation with such reckless behavior?"

Jasminda's eyes flashed defiance.

"You lecture me on relationships, yet yours and Father's began tumultuously," Jasminda retorted, her voice laced with resentment. "Who are you to dictate my path to love?"

Queen Astrid's eyes widened in stunned incredulity. "What did you just say?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.