"So you are Princess Gaia," I whispered, completely ignoring her initial demand that I must apologize. How would I? Although I knew that she was known for her temper and arrogance, I wouldn't ever bend a knee as I was a queen and she was in my kingdom. Maxus had planted in my head countless times that my title granted me power and respect, and I wouldn't let anyone, not even a princess, diminish that.
"I understand now why you are feared by all," I said, caressing my baby bump, which was starting to contract again . "But know this, Princess Gaia, I will not cower before you—not when you are in my territory and boastfully trying to assert dominance over me."
"What did you say?" Her mouth parted, and her pale face turned red with anger. "No one ever talked to me in such a manner before. Now prepare for your initial punishment."
With a single flicker of her fingers, I felt a sharp pain shoot through my body, causing me to collapse to the ground in agony. It wasn't from the laboring contractions, as the pain seemed to creep up from within my very bones.