The massive oak doors of the throne room swung open with a loud bang, echoing through the grand hall. Thalia strode in, her emerald gown billowing behind her like a storm, and her eyes glinted with barely contained fury. The quiet whispers of the gathered court faded into silence, as if her presence alone had left them speechless.
"Your Majesties and esteemed members of the court," Thalia's voice cut through the stillness, sharp and clear. "I bring grave news of betrayal and treachery."
Jane felt her heart race, her fingers instinctively clutching the armrest of her chair. She struggled to maintain a calm face, even as a frenzy of thoughts whirled in her mind. What is Thalia doing here? What accusations is she about to make?
Thalia scanned the room, a smug smile forming on her lips. "We've all been deceived by someone who believes she can rise above her rightful place." With a pointed finger, she directed her ire straight at Jane. "This woman, Jane Woods, is nothing more than a common fraud!"
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Jane felt the weight of their gazes on her, but she stood tall, refusing to show any sign of weakness.
Thalia's voice grew more forceful, reverberating off the stone walls. "She claims to be of noble birth, but I have proof that she's merely a farmer's daughter! Just a peasant who wormed her way in here through lies and deceit!"
Despite her trembling hands, Jane held her head high. It's true, she thought, I am a farmer's daughter—but I've never hidden that truth. What game is Thalia playing at?
"Your Highness," Thalia turned her attention to Prince Dubois, her voice oozing with false sympathy. "Surely, you must see how she's been misleading you—this charlatan is unworthy of your affections or a place by your side as queen!"
Jane's gaze flicked to Prince Dubois, her heart twisting at the confusion etched on his face. She longed to speak out, to defend herself, but protocol dictated she remain silent until called upon. The heavy silence in the room was deafening, punctuated only by Thalia's venomous rants.
"I demand that this impostor be expelled from the court immediately," Thalia declared, her eyes dancing with malice. "Let her return to the fields where she belongs, and let those who truly deserve to be here manage the kingdom's affairs!"
As Thalia's accusations lingered in the air, Jane took a deep breath, ready to face the storm that lay ahead. No matter what came next, she would confront it with the quiet strength that had seen her through countless challenges. She firmly believed that the truth would be her shield against Thalia's poisonous claims.
The throne room erupted into chaos. Nobles gasped and whispered among themselves, their frightened glances darting between Thalia's triumphant smirk and Jane's composed demeanor. Lady Amelia clutched her pearl necklace, her eyes wide. "An impostor? How scandalous!" she whispered urgently to Lord Reginald, who nodded gravely, concern etched across his brow.
"Silence!" King Dubois's voice roared, but the anxious murmurs continued, a turbulent wave of unrest.
Feeling the weight of numerous stares, Jane's hands trembled slightly, yet she clasped them together firmly, determined not to show any weakness. I've weathered worse storms than this, she reminded herself, recalling the long days spent tending to fields through fierce winds.
"What do you say to these accusations, Lady Jane?" Prince Dubois's voice cut through the clamor, his tone measured.
Jane lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. His usually warm and welcoming eyes now seemed guarded and troubled, making her heart ache. But she wouldn't back down. Not now.
"Your Highness," she began, her voice steady yet gentle, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "I stand before you and this court not as a fraud, but as I truly am—Jane Woods."
Turning to address the crowd, she allowed her gaze to scan the faces—some glaring, others uncertain, and a few, like Lord Edmund's, showing encouragement. Taking a moment to steady herself, she drew strength from the lessons in integrity taught by her parents.
"I've never pretended to be anything other than who I am," she continued. "Yes, I'm a farmer's daughter. But I'm also a woman who loves this kingdom and its people with all my heart."
The court hung on her every word, the tension hanging thick in the air. Returning her gaze to Prince Dubois, Jane spoke with utter sincerity. "I may not have noble blood, but I believe true worth is defined by one's actions, not their lineage."
As she spoke, a wave of confidence washed over her. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it with grace and dignity. The truth was her armor, and she wore it proudly.
"My roots are in Millbrook, raised by parents who instilled in me the importance of hard work and kindness. We didn't have much, but we had each other."
She paused, nostalgia creeping in as memories blurred her vision. "When the plague struck our village, I lost everything—my parents, my home, my future. But I refused to let despair take root."
A murmur of sympathy rippled through the crowd, and Jane spotted a glimmer of understanding on some faces. Gaining momentum, she pressed forward.
"I came to the castle seeking honest work. Yet fate led me to a calling—a chance to serve the kingdom that I've grown to love dearly."
Jane locked eyes with Prince Dubois, her heart soaring. "And yes, I found love—a love I never imagined possible, but one that gives me the strength to stand before you today."
Stepping forward, her voice rang with quiet determination. "I may not have been born to wear a crown, but I pledge to dedicate myself to being deserving of it—not for power or status, but to serve this kingdom and its people alongside Prince Dubois."
With renewed conviction, Jane declared, "Don't judge me by my origins, but by my actions. By my unwavering commitment to this land and its future. I am Jane Woods, and I'm ready to face any challenges ahead with honesty, compassion, and an unshakeable love for Avaloria."
As she finished, Jane felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had voiced her truth, bared her soul. Whatever came next, she was ready to confront it with the same unwavering strength that had seen her through every trial.