"None of these disadvantages, none of this overshadowing!"
Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she glared at everyone in the room, her emotions spiraling out of control.
"I am the true princess of this kingdom, for goodness' sake!" she cried. "And yet, I haven't been able to hold my head high because of her constant meddling!
And you—" she turned her furious gaze on her parents "—you don't even care about me! Do I even matter to you? Or is it only her, the adopted one, that you care about?!"
Her words struck like daggers, cutting deep into the tense silence that followed.
Queen Chioma's lips parted slightly, but she stopped herself from intervening. No… perhaps this was a good thing. Let her say it. Let her let it all out.
King Ikechukwu, however, straightened in his chair, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, his voice was firm but calm.
"I care about both of you," he said, choosing his words carefully.
