“If she orders something outright, then you’re left with little choice, but… My position is not quite so limited as yours, and she seldom gives me an order outright.” It was not usually necessary. He managed himself appropriately enough and he did not need watching. She had her hands full enough without having to dictate things to him.
“A show of good faith. It’s not a bad move.” He did not answer her question of games. She knew the answer well enough without him giving voice to it. “Ah, but imagine how it would play out if I did provide her one. One of her own blood, that is. And Shayleiah, the eldest… It would not go well for my little girl, I think. Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps I am robbing her of her own chance to be Queen. She thinks she wants it now. But I suppose most little girls must.”
It was an innocent enough fantasy. To Hailey, being Queen was all about jewels and crowns, lovely dresses and galas such as this. She did not see the other side of it.