Chapter 118

The queen sat on her bed, clutching a picture of Bryan in her hand. She looked at his smiling face and felt a pang of pain in her heart. She loved him more than anything in the world. He was her son, even if he was not her flesh and blood.

She had given him her name, her love, and her protection. She had watched him grow into a handsome and brave young man, who had made her proud in every way.

But now, everything was in doubt. A stranger had appeared, claiming to be the true prince and heir of the throne. He had challenged Bryan to a test of blood and truth, to prove his claim. And the ball was in her court to either agree to it, or trash it but it was the only way to settle the matter.

The queen didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to doubt Bryan's identity or loyalty. She didn't want to risk losing him or hurting him. But she also didn't want to deny the possibility that the stranger was telling the truth. What if he was really her son? What if he was the child that had been t