Chapter 6 - The Unwanted BeggarsA week later, the palace hosted a public charity gala for the kingdom’s orphanages. The press was everywhere, cameras flashing like lightning.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the entrance. The royal guards crossed their spears, blocking a frantic group of people. It was the Laurent family. Victoria, her husband, and Sophia’s cousin Julian looked disheveled, their luxury clothes rumpled. They had bribed their way to the gates.
“Sophia! Sophia, please!” Victoria screamed dramatically, throwing herself to her knees in front of the flashing cameras. “We are so sorry! Forgive your poor mother! We have nothing left!”
It was a calculated ambush. If Sophia rejected them in front of the press, she would be painted as a cruel, heartless monster to the public. If she accepted them, the Laurents would regain their status.
Alexander’s face turned lethal. “Guards. Throw them in the dungeons.”
“No,” Sophia said quietly, stopping him. She stepped off the royal dais and walked slowly toward the barricade. The cameras went wild.
Sophia looked down at her kneeling mother. She didn't shout. She didn't show an ounce of anger. She simply leaned down, her voice a deadly whisper meant only for Victoria.
“You threw me to the wolves, mother. But you forgot one thing.” Sophia’s eyes locked onto Victoria’s terrified gaze. “I came back leading the pack.”
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Sophia stood up, turned to the cameras, and spoke with perfect, sorrowful grace. “The crown provides for all beggars, but it does not reward manipulation. Escort these citizens to the public shelter.”
The guards dragged the screaming Laurents away. The press lauded the future Queen's merciful yet firm justice. Sophia had won again, but in the shadows, Elara was preparing her final, lethal blow.
