Penelope suddenly did not know what to believe anymore, but that frightened her most of all. The Queen rose first, signaling the end of the meeting with graceful finality.
Penelope stood immediately afterward, though her knees felt strangely weak beneath her.
Her Majesty approached slowly, stopping only a short distance away. Up close, Penelope could see the intelligence behind her eyes even more clearly now, sharp enough to dissect lies before they fully formed.
"You are clever, Miss Anderson," the Queen said quietly. "Clever women survive longer than foolish ones," She said, and a pause followed before she added, "But only if they allow themselves to see clearly."
Penelope swallowed carefully. "I understand, Your Majesty."
"No," the Queen murmured. "I do not think you do. Not yet."
The words settled coldly within her.
Then Her Majesty stepped back once more, composure returning seamlessly. "You may go."
