Coax

The Queen said nothing, simply taking another sip of her tea.

Clara hesitated for a moment before lowering her gaze.

"I also wanted to address a misunderstanding, Your Majesty," she continued. "I know that you must have heard rumours about me... About what happened with Selena."

The Queen's gaze did not waver.

"I have," she said.

Clara let out a soft sigh, allowing just a hint of vulnerability to slip through.

"It has been difficult," she admitted. "My intention was never to hurt her. I really believed that Nicholas loved me." Clara started to shed a few tears. 

"Your Majesty, I..." She paused, as if struggling to find the words. "There is something I wish to clarify, if you would allow me."

The Queen said nothing, simply watching her with that cool, knowing gaze.

Clara took that as permission to continue.

She let out a soft, almost self-deprecating laugh. "And I would not be surprised if you believed every word."