Chapter Seven: The Farewell

In a tearful goodbye, Sofia embraced her son, trying to etch every moment into her memory. Arin, sensing something was amiss, clung to his mother, unaware of the fate that awaited him.

"Mother, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice trembling with fear.

Sofia forced a smile, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces. "Nothing, my dear. Just a little ceremony, and then you'll be safe."

Arin nodded, his eyes trusting, and Sofia felt a pang in her heart. She knew she was deceiving him, but she couldn't bear to tell him the truth.

Zephyr approached, his eyes filled with sorrow, and gently took Arin's hand. "It's time, Your Majesty," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sofia nodded, her vision blurring with tears. She watched as Zephyr led Arin away, her heart heavy with grief. She knew she would never see her son again, and the thought was almost too much to bear.

As they disappeared into the distance, Sofia felt a cold wind blow through her soul. She knew she had made the ultimate sacrifice, and the weight of her crown felt crushing.

She turned to her ladies-in-waiting, her voice barely audible. "Leave me," she said, her eyes dry and burning. "I need to be alone."

They nodded, their faces somber, and left the queen to her grief. Sofia stood there, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces, as she realized she would never see her beloved son again.