THE KING'S POSSESSION

abel's Journe

el's

packed my few belongings into a small bundle. Today was the day I would travel

y mother was recovering. As I approached the room, I saw Mrs. Haw

helming gratitude. Even in these dire circumstances, we were blessed to ha

I greeted softly

ed warmly. "Good morning, Isabel.

slightly. I turned to my mother, who was sit

bye before I leave," I said

d concern. "My dear Isabel, the day has come. I know this opportun

y with determination. "But I must do this for us. This opp

promise me you will be careful and wise in your actions. The p

ehead. "I will be cautious and mindful of everything I

on my mother's shoulder. "Do not worry, Teressa. I will lo

of her friend. "Thank you, Mrs. Hawtho

gathered all my courage. "I must go now. The

th my blessing, my dear. You have always been my

s to myself and held her close for a moment lon

y have," sh

h emotion, and I felt my heart twist painfully in my chest. I gave both her and Mrs. Hawthorne a respectful

e path leading to the palace. I had no means to pay for a carriage or a horse, so I began the long walk with only

n, the thought of my mother lying in that clinic bed, with her face pale and drawn but still managing a brave smile for my sake, and Mrs. Hawthorne who had always bee

a place of grandeur but also of hidden perils. I worried about making mistakes, about failing, but I

t swelled with both anxiety and hope. I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and