People strive for power and success, because it looks much more tempting than a modest and quiet life. And certainly more tempting than need.

And she knew very well what poverty and helplessness were. What humiliation and the need to grovel before powerful people. And she absolutely hated it. Sometimes she would go into her small, dark room in the evening and sob, clutching in her hand a few hard-earned coins.

Such was her past. All the hatred, resentment, and pain lit a flame in her soul. They gave her the strength to go to the top. To become strong. To become important. And here she is. At the very top, where no one would dare question her word.

But there is one problem. The emptiness in her soul hasn't gone anywhere. There's no reason to fight. She is surrounded by enemies. She won't give up, no, she just doesn't know how. Her pride won't let her cry anymore. And a moment's pause won't change anything. It's just that sometimes it can be healing.