“I am sorry, dear,” the Queen Mother said softly. “Please forgive me for how I treated you before.”

Althea felt the warmth of her embrace and gently returned it, her hand moving in a soothing motion along the older woman’s back as she felt her trembling.

“I’m really sorry… I truly am,” the Queen Mother continued, her voice breaking.

Althea softly hushed her. “It’s alright, Your Grace,” she reassured gently. “It’s all in the past now. What matters is today… and ...