#CHAPTER 140: Charles’ Bargain

FELIX I returned to the castle with a newfound sense of purpose. I could only hope that Sofia was feeling that same rejuvenation as well. Maybe by this point she had reunited with her lost love Samuel–or perhaps not, since time worked differently in the void. But I knew she was trying, and that was what mattered most. My parents were waiting in the throne room with me once again. For the first time in weeks, there was a bit of hope in their eyes. I had not realized how tired and worn-down they had been looking until I saw them full of energy again. It hurt me to think of their suffering, of the internal battles they themselves had been fighting. Perhaps I needed to give them more grace for all their actions recently. If I had learned anything from Sofia, it was the power of forgiveness. No better time to start than the present. I gave my mother a large hug, startling her slightly. But she quickly recovered and wrapped her arms around m