The palace was in chaos. News of Prince Henry's adoption had spread like wildfire, and the courtiers were buzzing with speculation. Sophia watched as the Queen's advisors scranbled to contain the situation, their faces pale with worry.
Prince Henry was nowhere to be found. Sophia had last seen him storming out of the meeting room, his face white with shock. She knew she had to find him, to make sure he was okay.
As she made her way through the crowded corridors, Sophia was stopped by a courtier. "Miss Sophia, have you heard the news?" the woman asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
Sophia nodded, her stomach twisting with anxiety. "Yes, I've heard," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
The courtier leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you think it's true? Is Prince Henry really... adopted?"
Sophia forced a smile, trying to play it cool. "I don't know, but I'm sure it'll all come out in the open soon."
The courtier nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I hope so. This is the most exciting thing that's happened in the palace in years."
Sophia excused herself and continued her search for Prince Henry. She finally found him in the palace gardens, pacing back and forth in front of a fountain. His face was set in a grim expression, and his eyes were flashing with anger.
"Sophia," he said, his voice low and rough, as she approached him.
Sophia's heart ached as she saw the pain in his eyes. She wanted to reach out and hug him, to tell him everything would be okay. But she knew she couldn't. Not yet.
"Henry, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice soft.
Prince Henry stopped pacing and turned to face her. "Sorry?" he repeated, his voice bitter. "You think you're sorry? You're not the one who's been living a lie."
Sophia took a step forward, her eyes locked on his. "I know, Henry. But you're not alone. I'm here for you, no matter what."
Prince Henry's expression softened, and for a moment, Sophia saw the vulnerable boy he had been, the one who had been hurt and betrayed.
"Thank you, Sophia," he said, his voice rough. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Sophia smiled, her heart swelling with emotion. "You'll never have to find out, Henry. I'll always be here for you."
As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Sophia could feel the attraction between them, the desire to be closer. But she knew it wasn't the right time.
Not yet.
To be continued...
New Plot:
- Prince Henry struggles to come to terms with his adoption and his place in the palace
- Sophia and Prince Henry grow closer, but their feelings are put to the test
- The Queen's secrets are threatened, and she will stop at nothing to keep them hidden