Chapter 18: Uncle's place in New York City

The queen's face was etched with worry as she hastened after the king, her long skirts rustling behind her. She couldn't let him make any rash decisions without understanding the full implications. "My lord, wait!" she called out, her voice carrying across the corridor.

But the king didn't stop or even slow down. He strode purposefully towards the training ground, his jaw set in determination. The queen followed close behind, her mind racing with possibilities.

Meanwhile, Sophia was left standing alone in her room, her thoughts swirling with anxiety. "Is he planning to disown me?" she wondered, her heart heavy with fear. She felt like her whole world was crumbling around her, and she didn't know how to stop it.

As the king entered the training ground, the crowd's murmurs died down, and all eyes turned to him. The king's expression was somber, and he cleared his throat before speaking.

"My dear guests, nobles, and princes," he began, his voice loud and clear. "I apologize for the unexpected turn of events. It appears that my daughter, Princess Sophia, is not yet ready to make a decision."

The crowd's murmurs resumed, this time with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. The king turned to the princes, his expression apologetic.

"I want to extend my sincerest apologies to each of you, Your Highnesses. I know that you have all come a long way, and I appreciate your patience and understanding. Unfortunately, it seems that we will need to postpone the selection process."

The princes nodded graciously, though their faces showed a mix of disappointment and confusion. The king continued, "We will reconvene at a later date, and I will ensure that you are all informed of the new arrangements. Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused."

The crowd began to disperse, the princes and their entourages making their way out of the training ground. The king watched them go, his mind already turning to the task of placating his daughter and finding a solution to the predicament they now faced.

The queen stood beside the king, her eyes fixed on his profile. She sensed a flicker of something unusual in his demeanor, a mixture of disappointment and frustration. She gave a soft sigh, her voice barely above a whisper.

"My king... I am sorry about Sophia's behavior today." Her apologetic face was etched with concern, and she knew she was partly to blame for not informing the king about Sophia's reservations earlier.

The king remained silent, his gaze fixed on some point in the distance. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Why would he want to force his daughter into a marriage she didn't want? But, on the other hand, he had no male heir to inherit the throne, and delaying the marriage could have far-reaching consequences.

The queen, sensing the king's turmoil, knew he wasn't ready for conversation. "My king... I would be on my way now," she said calmly, her voice laced with respect. She bowed down gently, preparing to take her leave.

Just as she turned to go, the king spoke up, his voice firm but laced with a hint of sadness. "Tell her, she is leaving this village first thing tomorrow, and going to her uncle's place in the city."

The queen's eyes widened in shock. "Your Highness?" she began, but the king didn't let her finish.

"If she doesn't want to marry any of the princes, then she should leave immediately Tomorrow, she can't stay here and keep disobeying her father's wishes." The king's face was a mask of disappointment, his eyes clouded with a deep sadness.

Without another word, the king turned to leave, his departure a clear indication that the conversation was at an end. The queen watched him go, her heart heavy with concern for her daughter's future.