Chương 56: A Familiar Face

Felicity, Leah and Xia drew ever closer to the Coast of Eternal Weeping. The rain fell heavily and without end, drumming against their cloaks and horses, turning the ground into a sea of mud. Leah adjusted her hood, pulling it tighter around her face.

"I'm starting to understand why this place is called the Coast of Eternal Weeping…" Xia kept her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"It's one of the poorest regions on the continent. Compared to Virelia, it'll feel like you've stepped into a different world". They continued riding through the relentless rain in silence. Declan stopped outside Teresa's chamber and knocked politely.

"Come in", she replied. Declan entered, bowing his head slightly.

"My Queen, forgive me for disturbing you". If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Teresa looked up from her book.

"Declan…what do you want this time?"

"I only wished to thank you. For making the King come to his senses. You guided him toward the wisest decision". Teresa slowly closed her book.

"I merely reminded him of who he is".

"We, the royal advisors, tried as well, but to no avail. You, my Queen… you are the only person the King truly listens to. And that is the greatest power anyone can possess". He gave her a deep bow before quietly leaving the room. Teresa returned to her book. A faint smile curved her lips. At last, Felicity, Leah and Xia reached a small village. The houses were built from straw, rotting wood and the poorest-quality materials. Everything looked fragile, temporary.

The villagers looked at them without curiosity or hostility, then simply went back to ignoring them. They were little more than skin and bones, their faces gaunt and their eyes lifeless. The three women made their way through the muddy streets. Not far away, Father Leandro was baptizing a young man, lowering his head into the water of an old well. Felicity dismounted and walked toward him.

"Mr. Leandro?" The man turned around. The moment he recognized her, his face lit up. He spread his arms wide in delight.

"Feli?! Is that really you?!" Felicity stopped in front of him.

"I never thought you were still alive…I believed you'd died". Leandro stepped forward and embraced her warmly. Then he pulled back and looked at her carefully.

"I thought the very same about you. I believed you'd died alongside your father and the rest of the Prinz Clan. I'm so happy to see you alive and in good health". A faint smile touched Felicity's lips.

"I'm happy to see you're doing well too". Behind them, Leah and Xia exchanged a puzzled glance.