**BEFORE SHE LEFT**

Time: Moments before when Wulfric had addressed her before the curtain call
Location: Edin Theater
Interaction: @Silverpaw Wulfric

“Do you truly believe that she is weak?”

Alibeth's head turned to her son, interest piqued by his question. She studied him, absorbing his every word for a moment before speaking. "There is power in music. Power in honesty. Power in talent."

Her gaze sharpened, "But where is the power in crumbling before the very people who look to you for stability? Where is the strength in a royal symbol breaking down under the weight of her own emotions?" After a deliberate pause, she continued, "Anastasia may not be a ruler, not a warrior—but she is a representation of this family, a representation of you. A princess is not expected to lead, but she is expected to embody poise and dignity. What she displayed tonight was neither. You may call it moving; I call it a spectacle."

Her gaze flickered toward the audience before landing back on Wulfric, as if daring him to argue. "Yes, the people love passion. But more than that, they love certainty. They do not follow those who weep for them—they follow those who stand firm for them. You will do well to remember that."

Then, at last, her expression softened, but her point remained unwavering. "You defend her because you love her. But love will not shield her from the scrutiny of the Sultan if that Shehzade brings her home."