Losing Alexander’s father had undoubtedly been a strain on them both. Alexander’s sudden rise to power and responsibility at such a young age must have made things even harder. Whatever friction existed between them, it was natural.
I decided I wouldn’t hold my earlier impressions against her.
As we moved to the living room for dessert, the tension between Alexander and Diana lingered in the air. Alexander remained polite but guarded, keeping a subtle distance. He seemed uncomfortable, his sharp gaze flickering toward his mother with a critical edge.
I told myself it was probably because of her earlier remarks, though the unease in the room felt harder to explain away.
We settled into plush chairs as the house staff brought out coffee and an elegant tray of sweets. Diana
