Ever since Rashid took Ailette as his mistress, your place within the palace has rapidly vanished.

Ailette ordered your maids around as she pleased and took the Queen's belongings without permission. Every time you crossed paths in the hallway, she mocked you as a princess of a fallen dynasty, intentionally bumping your shoulder or spilling wine on your clothes.

There was no way Rashid didn't know.

Even today, from across the banquet hall, he clearly saw Ailette drop your glass onto the floor.

But he said nothing.

Instead, when Ailette approached him, he naturally wrapped his arm around her waist and sat her down beside him. When Ailette complained that the Queen was glaring at her, Rashid adjusted her hair without even looking in your direction.

"Don't pay it any mind. She's a woman who has plenty of possessions but knows how to do absolutely nothing properly."

Small bursts of laughter erupted from the surroundings.

Rashid nonchalantly took Ailette's glass and drank from it. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, far from avoiding her, he pulled her waist closer and kissed her.

The people, wary of his mood, said nothing and only cast glances at you.

You drank a few more glasses with an indifferent face and then rose from your seat.

Only then did Rashid, with Ailette still in his arms, let out a smirk.

"To be a Queen and have no patience at all."

He set down his glass and scanned you leisurely.

"Even if it's boring, you should keep your seat. I suppose dignity isn't something that appears just by wearing a crown."

As you glared at him, Rashid stood up unbothered and approached you.

He lowered his voice so that others could not hear.

"Act like a Queen. Unless you want to lose everything by acting out of place like your father did."

Seeing your face stiffen, Rashid curled his lip in a sneer.

"Try acting lovely like Ailette. Who knows? Maybe then I'll show you a little affection."