Chapter 251

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April felt a surge of anxiety as they approached the palace. The tension in the air was palpable, and she could sense that Al was equally on edge. Memories of past encounters flooded her mind, particularly the times when she had to touch her belly to calm herself, a gesture that often signaled her anger. “How can we get into the palace?” Al asked, his voice low and cautious. “It’s through the main door. We’ll need to request an audience with the queen; that’s the only way,” April replied, her heart racing. “That’s a risky move.
What if they deny us entry and we end up in the dungeons instead?” Al’s worry was evident. Ethan, who had been listening quietly, interjected. “That won’t happen. She wants to see April.” “How can you be so sure?” Al challenged, skepticism lacing his tone. “The queen has been searching for April. It’s her purpose to see her daughter with her own eyes,” Ethan explained, his conviction unwavering. As they reached the palace doors, Ethan stepped forward to address the guards. “We request an audience with the queen.” One of the guards crossed his arms, his expression stern.
“Entry to the palace is prohibited.” Ethan pressed on. “We must speak with her. It’s urgent.” “Wait, you’re not asking me for an audience, are you?” the guard scoffed. April stepped forward, her voice steady. “I’m the daughter of Princess Sophia Babette.” The guards exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes wide with disbelief. “How can we know you’re not an impostor?” one of them asked. “There are ways to verify my identity,” April replied, her confidence growing despite the tension. After a brief, hushed discussion, the guards reluctantly agreed to let them pass, but not without a warning.
“If you’re lying, you’ll pay the price for deceiving the royal family.” “I’m not an impostor,” April assured them, her heart pounding. The guard led them inside, where they approached the throne room. As they entered, Enora, the queen, was seated, her presence commanding. Ethan announced their arrival. “Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption, but we have someone who requests an audience.” Enora looked up, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. “Who requests this audience?” “April Venobich, daughter of Princess Sophia Babette,” Ethan replied.
Enora stood abruptly, her expression shifting from curiosity to shock. “Repeat what you said!” “April Venobich, daughter of Princess Sophia Babette, requests an audience with Your Majesty,” Ethan reiterated. “Let her pass,” Enora commanded, her voice firm. “Your Majesty, Ethan is with her, and there’s also a man accompanying them,” one of the guards added. “Let Ethan go; he only needs to bring the girl and her companion,” Enora instructed, her tone softening slightly. As Ethan stepped back, he felt a mix of relief and concern.
He knew he could not enter the palace again unless the queen permitted it, so he retreated without complaint. The guard turned to April and Alessandro. “You may proceed. The queen is waiting.” April took a deep breath, glancing back at Ethan one last time. “I won’t let you down,” she whispered, before stepping forward. Alessandro extended his hand to her. “Let’s go.” She took his hand, exhaling slowly to calm her nerves. “Come on, she’s already waiting for us.” As they walked through the grand hall, the eyes of the courtiers were upon them, their whispers filling the air.
When they reached the throne room, Enora sat regally, observing them with a mix of anticipation and disbelief. “Remove your hoods,” she commanded. April was the first to comply, pulling back her hood to reveal her face. The moment Enora saw her, she rose from her throne, her expression transforming into one of pure joy and disbelief. “Sophia!” Enora exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes. April felt a rush of love and warmth as she met the queen’s gaze. Enora’s beauty was striking, and in that moment, April saw the resemblance between them.
Enora approached, her hands trembling as she cupped April’s face. “You’re alive! You’re truly alive!” she cried, embracing her tightly, as if afraid to let go. “I’m here! I’m alive!” April echoed, overwhelmed by the reunion. Enora held her daughter’s face between her hands, studying her features with a mixture of relief and disbelief. “They told me you were lost to us. I thought I would never see you again.” “Your Majesty,” Dantriel interjected, his voice cautious, “we need to discuss the circumstances of her return.” Enora’s gaze turned sharp as she looked at him.
“You knew something, didn’t you? You will pay dearly for keeping this from me.”