lAs I looked up, Salie's expression softened slightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and longing. It was clear that forgiveness wouldn't come easily, that healing the wounds of the past would take time and effort.As I continued to plead with Salie, tears streaming down my face, she interrupted me with a mix of anger and frustration. "Naomi, do you even realize what our family has gone through because of you?" she exclaimed. "The royal family came to our bakery, spreading lies about how you ran away from your obligation as Reuben's betrothed. They disgraced us, Naomi!"Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I had no idea that the royal family had spread such false accusations, tarnishing our family's name and reputation. Salie had tried to find me, to defend our honor, but I had gone off track, lost in my own pain and confusion for two whole years. The weight of guilt settled heavily upon me as I realized the extent of the damage I had caused."Salie, I had no idea," I wh

As the queen stormed out of the throne room, her anger and disappointment radiating from her every step, I couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and satisfaction. Finally, Reuben had taken a stand against his mother and chosen love over duty.Without wasting any time, Reuben rushed towards Liam, who stood at the side of the room, watching the events unfold with wide eyes. They embraced each other tightly, as if they had known each other for years. It was a heartwarming sight to witness, and it filled me with curiosity.I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and approached Reuben. "Reuben, have you seen Liam before?" I asked, my voice filled with anticipation. "I mean, before today?"Reuben looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. "Yes, Naomi," he replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I have seen Liam before, but I didn't know he was our son."My heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. Liam was our son, and Reuben had unknowingly crossed paths with him in

Naomi flashbacks to the pastIt was all coming back to me..how much I had cared and loved Martha like my own sister…Chapter 19Martha stared at me in surprise as I smiled sheepishly at my words.“You want to ruin the princess ball?” Martha asked again to be sure she had heard me right.I nodded positively to her words, a smile still widely plastered on my face.“She won’t know what hits her.” I said to Martha who seemed a bit nervous at my words.“That won’t be safe and the queen might punish you again.” Martha murmured but I smiled before standing up from my bed and heading straight to the large mirror on the wall as I stared at my reflection and smiled.“The maids were mocking me and trying to say I am not worth being called the queen in the future so I should at least step in there in grand style. All I need is an invitation but come to think of it I don’t really need an explanation.” I said as an idea popped into my head.“What do you plan on doing?” I smiled at Martha’s question.

Emotions overwhelmed me as the memories of my past flooded back. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer, and they streamed down my face as Martha walked into the room. Without hesitation, I rushed towards Martha and embraced her tightly, holding onto her as if I would never let go."Martha," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I've missed you so much. I can't believe you're here."Martha returned the embrace, her own tears mingling with mine. "Oh, Naomi," she said, her voice filled with sadness. "The palace has been so miserable without you. We've all been worried sick."I pulled away slightly, looking into Martha's eyes. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble," I said, my voice filled with regret. "I never meant to hurt anyone."Martha shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You didn't cause any trouble, Naomi. It was the circumstances that forced you to make difficult choices. We all understand that."My heart swelled with gratitude for Martha's understanding.

As I left the queen's presence, a mix of anger and determination fueled my every step. I couldn't let the queen's threats and manipulation break me. I rushed back to my room, where Liam was still peacefully asleep.I entered the room and closed the door behind me, ensuring that we were safe from prying eyes. As I held Liam tightly in my arms, a wave of love and protectiveness washed over me. He was my most precious treasure, and I would do whatever it took to keep him safe.I placed Liam gently on the bed and sat beside him, watching his peaceful face as he slept. My heart ached at the thought of the challenges we faced and the uncertain future that lay ahead. But in that moment, as I held my sleeping son, I found solace and strength.I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer, asking for guidance and protection. I prayed that the queen's plans would never come to frition, that Liam would remain safe and free from the clutches of political manipulation. I prayed for the strength to face