Sophia's heart was racing as Lord Thomas's gun pressed against her temple. She could feel the cold metal digging into her skin, and she knew she had to act fast.
Prince Henry's eyes were blazing with anger, and he took a step forward, his fists clenched. "Let her go, Thomas," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Lord Thomas laughed, the sound sending shivers down Sophia's spine. "You're in no position to make demands, Your Highness," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I'm in control here, and I'll do whatever it takes to get what I want."
Sophia's mind was racing, trying to think of a way out of this situation. She knew she couldn't rely on Prince Henry to save her, not with Lord Thomas's gun pointed at her head.
Just as she was starting to lose hope, she remembered something Lady Emily had told her. "The palace has a secret passage," she had said. "It's hidden behind a painting in the study. If you're ever in danger, use it to escape."
Sophia's eyes flicked to the painting on the wall, and she saw the slightest glimmer of movement. It was a risk, but it was their only chance.
"Okay, Thomas, I'll go with you," she said, trying to sound calm.
Lord Thomas's eyes narrowed, but he seemed to believe her. He nodded, and Sophia took a step forward, trying not to make any sudden movements.
As they moved towards the door, Sophia's eyes locked onto Prince Henry's. She saw the understanding in his eyes, and she knew he was thinking the same thing.
When they reached the door, Sophia made her move. She pushed Lord Thomas's arm away and sprinted towards the painting, pulling it open to reveal the secret passage.
Prince Henry was right behind her, and they both tumbled into the passage, slamming the door shut behind them.
They were safe, for now.
As they caught their breath, Sophia turned to Prince Henry. "We need to get out of here," she said, her voice urgent. "We can't let Lord Thomas get away with this."
Prince Henry nodded, his eyes blazing with determination. "We'll get him, Sophia," he said, his voice cold and menacing. "We'll get him, and we'll make sure he pays for what he's done."
As they made their way through the passage, Sophia couldn't shake off the feeling that Lord Thomas had an accomplice in the palace. Someone who was helping him, someone who was feeding him information.
And then it hit her. The Queen.
Sophia's eyes widened in shock as she realized the truth. The Queen was behind it all. She was the one who had been working with Lord Thomas, trying to destroy Prince Henry and Sophia.
Sophia's mind was reeling as she tried to process this new information. How could the Queen do this? Why was she trying to destroy her own son?
As they reached the end of the passage, Sophia turned to Prince Henry. "It's the Queen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's behind it all."
Prince Henry's eyes widened in shock, and he looked at Sophia with a mixture of anger and sadness. "I don't believe it," he said, his voice shaking. "My own mother?"
Sophia nodded, her heart heavy with sorrow. "I'm afraid it's true, Henry," she said, her voice soft. "We need to get to the authorities, and we need to do it now."
To be continued...
New Plot:
- Sophia and Prince Henry uncover the Queen's betrayal
- They must navigate the palace and gather evidence to take down the Queen and Lord Thomas
- The palace is in chaos as the truth comes to light