Chapter 20: Ready to pack.

Sophia's eyes remained wide with shock as she struggled to process the revelation. "My uncle's place?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. Memories of her mother's stories about her uncle, Mr. Jonathan, flooded her mind.

She recalled how her mother had told her that Uncle Jonathan was her father's brother, but he had left the village after her father, King Herod, had ascended to the throne. There hadn't been any dramatic falling out between the brothers, but it was clear that Uncle Jonathan couldn't bear to stay in the palace with his brother as the new king.

As a result, Uncle Jonathan had departed, leaving behind the only life he had ever known. Sophia's mother had mentioned that Uncle Jonathan had only returned once, for her parents' wedding, and that was a long time ago. Since then, Sophia had never heard much about her uncle, and she had never given him much thought.

But now, as she stood in her room, reeling from the news, Sophia couldn't help but wonder why her parents were planning to send her to live with this stranger. What could they possibly hope to achieve by sending her away? And what would her life be like with Uncle Jonathan, a man she had never met?

A million questions swirled in Sophia's mind, but she knew she wouldn't get any answers. Not now, at least. All she could do was stand there, frozen in shock, as her world continued to crumble around her.

Sophia opened her mouth to protest, but the queen raised her hand, silencing her. "I have done my best, Sophia. And you should understand the king's decision too." The queen's voice was firm but laced with a hint of sadness.

She turned to leave, but then seemed to remember something. "I will instruct the maid to pack your clothes for you, but for now, I suggest you go and say goodbye to your sisters." With that, the queen departed, leaving Sophia alone in the room.

Sophia felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She knew she had no other options. If she didn't want to marry now, she had to go to New York City to live with her uncle, a man she barely knew or recognized. And if she didn't want to go either, her father would arrange a wedding ceremony immediately.

She stood there, frozen in despair, her mind reeling with thoughts. Time seemed to stand still as she struggled to come to terms with her fate.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Emma, her personal maid, entered the room, accompanied by a few other maids. Emma approached Sophia gently, touching her shoulder softly.

"Your Highness," Emma said, bowing down. The other maids followed suit.

Sophia snapped back to reality, unaware of the maids' arrival. Emma's eyes locked onto Sophia's, and she could see the deep sadness etched on her face.

"My queen commanded us to help with your packing," Emma said softly. Sophia nodded slightly, still looking dazed.

Emma let out a soft sigh. She had never seen the princess like this before. Sophia was always friendly and approachable, but since the moment she was being forced to marry one of the princes, her attitude had changed dramatically.

Emma signaled to the other maids to begin packing Sophia's belongings. As they worked, Emma stayed by Sophia's side, trying to offer what little comfort she could.

"Let's get you packed up, Your Highness," Emma said gently, trying to coax Sophia out of her despair. "We'll make sure you have everything you need for your journey."