For a moment, Fiona's mind went blank. She couldn't comprehend what the king had just said. Her thoughts raced: "He specifically told us not to worry about the Gerymoore complaint. I've never heard of Eleanor doing anything that would justify stripping her title. Then why...?"
Before she could collect her thoughts further, King Erevan continued, "Don't misunderstand me. I hold no grudge against your clan. In fact, I'm grateful for all you've done for Eleanor. You'll understand everything once you see this."
He placed a sketch on the desk. "Do you remember, thirty years ago… just after I succeeded the throne following my father's disappearance, I issued a worldwide search for a certain woman?"
Fiona nodded slowly. "Yes, I remember. But... you never found her."
The king gestured to the paper. "Look closely at the sketch."
Fiona leaned forward. The moment her eyes fell on the image, she froze. Her eyes widened as she murmured, "Eleanor..."
