Anne's face contorted in horror as realization sank in.
She froze. Her fists clenched, her gown gripping tightly in her hands. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice breaking.
"Men talk," Victoria replied quietly. "Drunk men talk more."
Anne's face turned pale. "Does anyone else know?"
"No one will speak of it. If that's what you're worried about."
Anne stood abruptly, turning away. "I have to go."
"Anne," Victoria's voice was softer now, tinged with something like sympathy.
"Lord Baldric will be looking for me. I have to go, please, Your Majesty," Anne implored.
Victoria's words lingered in the air. "What happened is not your fault, Anne."
"I don't want to talk about it."
Victoria's voice was steady with resolve. "Fine. But I want you to think about what I've said. You don't have to be under any man. You don't have to be their puppet to do their bidding. You don't have to play their games."
Anne's voice shook with quiet defiance. "Those 'silly games' have been building empires,Those games are what made your ancestors kings."
"And what have those games gotten you? What would it get you?"
Anne stood silent for a moment, eyes cast downward. "I don't want to be part of your council. I will remain with Lord Baldric."
Victoria's gaze remained steady, searching Anne's face. "Why?"
"Not all of us desire power," Anne said quietly, her voice betraying a tenderness that Victoria hadn't expected. "Sometimes... sometimes it's love. Surely even you can understand that."
Victoria's eyes softened, but she didn't break the gaze. "And he loves you?" Her tone was delicate, yet laced with something more—an unspoken sadness perhaps.
"Yes." Anne said it with such conviction.
Victoria exhaled, a small smile touching her lips. "I'm happy for you two. Really, I am. What you have is enviable. Just... be sure you know the difference between love and stupidity. Make sure you're not blinded by it."
Anne's lips parted, but she didn't argue. She simply bowed her head in acknowledgment. "I will, Your Majesty."
"Good luck, Lady Anne." Victoria's voice softened, almost wistful.
Anne stood, her eyes glistening with something unspoken. "Have a safe journey, Your Majesty. Until we meet again."