The king, still seated on his throne, suddenly rose to his feet, his expression a mix of shock and concern. "Sophia, what's wrong?" he asked softly, his voice echoing through the silent arena.
But Sophia was already gone, dashing out of the arena in a flurry of skirts and tears. The crowd gasped in shock, their whispers rising to a deafening murmur. "What's wrong with the princess?" they whispered to each other.
The princes, still standing at the training ground, exchanged confused glances. They looked at each other, wondering if they hadn't been good enough, or if they had done something wrong. Prince Finnley's face fell, his confidence shattered. Prince Liam's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions.
The king's face turned red with anger, his eyes blazing with disappointment. "What's wrong with you, Sophia?" he thundered, his voice echoing off the stone walls. He turned to Queen Isabella, his eyes accusing. "Go and talk to your daughter now!" he shouted.
Queen Isabella was taken aback by the king's outburst. She had never seen him so angry before, and she didn't know how to react. She thought back to her conversation with Sophia the day before, wondering if she had missed something. She had thought that Sophia was starting to come around, but now it seemed like she was further away than ever.
Without a word, Queen Isabella dashed out of the arena, following Sophia into the unknown. The king's anger was palpable, and she knew that she had to act quickly to calm the situation. She could feel the weight of the king's disappointment bearing down on her, and she knew that she had to find a way to make things right.
The king raised his hand, and the crowd slowly quieted down, their murmurs dying away. "Please, be patient," he addressed the crowd, his voice calm and authoritative. "The princess is just feeling a little... overwhelmed." The tension in the air dissipated slightly, and the princes were escorted to a corner of the arena, where chairs were provided for them to sit.
Sophia's younger sisters, Princesses Emma and Olivia, looked at each other in confusion, their eyes wide with worry. They didn't understand why Sophia had suddenly run out of the training ground, leaving everyone in a state of shock.
Meanwhile, Sophia had rushed to her room, her face streaked with tears, her makeup ruined. She cried out loud, her body shaking with sobs. As she cried, she heard footsteps approaching through the hallway. She remembered that she hadn't locked the door before rushing out, and now she felt a sense of vulnerability.
Just as she stood up, ready to face whoever was coming, the queen entered the room. Queen Isabella's expression was a mix of concern and disappointment, her eyes red-rimmed from unshed tears. She closed the door behind her and approached Sophia, her arms open wide.
"Sophia, my dear, what's wrong?" Queen Isabella asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Sophia collapsed into her mother's arms, her tears flowing freely once more.