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The lighting of the castle rains down onto the father and daughter as they shuffle their pieces around the broad board.
The king thought of an afternoon activity the two would enjoy, and the thoughtful outcome had been chess. Luckily some memories of the game have remained as she begins to match her father's strategy.
Yet the king still has one trick tucked in his sleeve. He swiftly maneuvers his pawn ending the game while leaving his daughter puzzled. "How?" She breathlessly stutters as her dad smiles in swirling pride.
The king's smile widens as he watches his daughter's expression. With a twinkle in his eye, he leans forward, his voice a low whisper filled with pride and amusement.
"My dear daughter," he begins, "the key to mastering the game lies not just in the strength of individual pieces, but in the strategy of the entire board." Yet his words die down as a knight arrives with news.
"My lord, a family has entered the palace with the royal family pendant. They claim the princess had entrusted them with the item and they are currently requesting an audience with her," the knight announces as he grips onto the hilt of his sword nervously.
Alloys swerves his attention onto his daughter, "Do they speak the truth? Have you met these people before my child?"
Jocosa's eyes widen as realization floods her. How could she ever forget? The shelter and love bestowed upon her by Lola and her dear family. "Father, I have, they were the ones who found me."
Sensing the urgency in her voice, Alloys turns to the knight nodding his head. "Very well, escort them to the throne room. Alert the queen as well."
"Of course, your Majesty," the knight quickly turns on his heels as he goes to carry out his orders.
"So these are the people that kept you safe?" Alloys finds his daughter's gaze to find her nodding with a smile. "I suppose we should hurry along then," he gently guides her along to the throne room where her mother and the others wait.
The knights quickly open the throne room doors and allow the two to saunter in.
"Jocosa..." Lola's words fall as she rushes to embrace the princess who is frozen with cheerfulness. Bliss, who is hot on her tail, wraps her arms around the two.
They take their time greeting one another before the Queen clears her throat.
"Ah mother, this is Lola and her family. They found me in the woods and took care of me with no complaint." Jocosa subconsciously grips Lola's hand as she introduces her saviors.
The Queen nods stepping down from her throne, "I want to thank you for the generosity you had shown my daughter when she was on her deathbed and lost. Just watching you interact with her, shows how much she trusts you all. My husband and I would like to offer you an official pass into the palace to visit whenever you would like. As well as a chest full of jewels and gold, we hope you accept our thanks."
Lillian steps up as her hands clamp down onto one another, "We would be fools to refuse, but I want you to know my daughter had no intentions of receiving an award. She just wanted to see a dear friend."
The King chuckles with a smile full of sincerity, "Furthering our point of rewarding you. We are glad that our flower found such a kind family. We hope you shall stay for a feast?"
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