"Grandma, please don't despair. Daddy never harbored any resentment about his childhood. He used to tell me stories—vivid, wonderful stories—about how he was a prince and his palace had a vast playground, elegant fountains, a swing, and monkey bars. And behind the palace, tall trees stood like watchful sentinels, waiting for him to climb."
Amaya's voice was soft and soothing as she gently held her grandmother's hand.
Queen Lucinda's breath hitched. So… Ibrahim had seen the Forbidden Place as his kingdom, his domain.
A deep sigh escaped her lips.
"Your Daddy Ibarra and Daddy Ibrahim were close. I made sure that they bonded well and supported each other. Your Grandpa and I made it up to your father by allowing him to go out and replace Ibarra once a week." A smile that did not reach her eyes appeared on her wrinkled face.
