**
"How did the fire start?" I asked, stepping closer. My voice was calm, but I needed the truth. The king nodded beside me, as if to say, Let's hear the real story.
"I… I have no idea," Fortuna whispered, her voice trembling. "I can't remember how it started."
Of course she'd say that. I should've known. She was hiding something, and as a woman, I could feel it. If anyone found out the truth, it would destroy her.
"Fine," the king said softly, "you don't have to remember right now. Just rest."
"Thank you, Your Highness. I was so scared," she added, and then the tears came. Like a child, she wept into her hands.
"Shhh," the king murmured as he leaned in, wrapping her gently in his arms. "You went through a lot. And I wasn't there for you."
He held her close, rubbing her back. I looked away. She was doing it on purpose. I knew it. But still… she was his wife. His queen. She had always been here—long before I ever came.
