Althea smiled softly at the Queen Mother as she raised her hand to accept the cup.

“Thank you for the tea, Your Highness,” she said with a gentle hum, her tone calm, almost serene.

Melva gasped softly and crawled forward on her knees, reaching out. “My Lad—”

But she froze when Althea gave her a quiet, reassuring glance.

Without another word, Althea brought the cup to her lips… and drank.

The Queen Mother’s thoughts screamed in disbelief.

‘She really drank it?! Just like ...