Chapter 18: May the gods watch over her

In the solemn chamber of the royal palace, Adeline's impassioned plea reverberated off the stone walls, her words a desperate cry for salvation in the face of overwhelming despair.

"Your Majesty," she began, her voice quivering with raw emotion, "the weight of this decision is not one that I bear lightly. But I cannot stand by and watch as Queen Sophia's light fades from this world."

Her gaze locked with the king's, Adeline's eyes brimming with tears yet ablaze with determination.

"She has been my pillar of strength, my guiding light through the darkest of times. I refuse to believe that her story ends here."

With each word, Adeline's voice gained strength, her resolve unyielding in the face of adversity.

"We cannot surrender to fate's cruel hand, Your Majesty. We must fight for Queen Sophia's chance at a future, no matter the cost."