Chapter 176: The Desire to Mend

Thelma Zane’s POV “Oh, my baby, my child, my hope.” My mother pulled me into a tight embrace, her voice trembling with emotion. “Your words almost broke my heart. Why would you think such things?” I remained silent, unable to meet her gaze. “You’re too harsh on yourself, Thelma,” my father said with a soft sigh. “Sometimes, I regret the rigid education I gave you as preparation for kingship. It’s admirable to uphold justice and fairness, but love doesn’t abide by these strict, systematic rules. Love is free from such rigidity.” He paused, his expression thoughtful as he continued, “It’s natural for parents to favor their children, lovers to favor their partners, and friends to stand by their best friends. But this isn’t merely favoritism—it’s a deeper bond that transcends fairness or objectivity. Feelings are inherently subjective, my child. “Should we create laws to limit how much one person can love another? Take your mother and me, for example. She’s my subject, and