The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 521

She spotted the wound on the guard's right wrist, and her eyes sharpened as she turned to James. "How dare you come into my palace and try to commit murder!"

James was far from intimidated. He stepped closer to the Queen, his gaze defiant. "Your Majesty, it was not I who came here to kill. Your grandson, he abducted my daughter. These fools not only don't know right from wrong, but they also helped Michael stop us. They are practically asking for it! I merely gave them a wrist injury—that was being lenient. I've been on my own since I was ten, and I've never seen such useless people. How could they point a gun at me!"

After stating his piece, James' dark eyes bore into the Queen's.

The Queen had long known that James was a tough character, and she was still concerned about Angela. Nevertheless, as the sovereign of her country, she had her reputation to consider. "Do you even know where you are, Mr. James? Do you think you can just waltz into the palace as you please?"

James chuckled, drawing his wife and daughter closer. "Your Majesty, if it weren't for your grandson spiriting away my daughter, do you think I'd bother coming here?"

He then took Vivian from Angela's arms. "Honey, let's go. The palace is no place for us!"

"James!" The Queen's shout rang out. "Are you just going to walk away like this, without any regard for me?" She expected at least an apology.

James closed his eyes, reopening them to look at the Queen once more. "Is Your Majesty perhaps inviting us to dine at the palace?"

As he walked past her, the guards immediately aimed their guns at him, but the cold glint in his eyes made them lower their weapons quickly.

"Magnus' son went missing during a mission. I need to go help search for the child, my apologies!" James glowered at the Queen before turning to leave.

The Queen watched his tall figure depart, suddenly recalling that Natalia was Magnus' wife. Could she be the one who lost the child?

When James returned to the castle, Angela hugged him tightly. "Honey, I'm sorry you've had to endure such fear and worry by my side."

James gently caressed her shoulder. "No silly, I'm neither aggrieved nor afraid. Look how the Queen couldn't lay a finger on me. You are my wife and child, and I'll always cherish you both dearly."

At his words, Angela buried her head in his chest, breathing in his scent. Her man was top of the world.

"You still have the nerve to come back!" A low growl suddenly interrupted the family embrace.

They turned to see Angela's father, the Duke, approaching in anger. "I hear you entered the palace through the secret passage today, injured Michael and the guards, and even defied the Queen?" The Duke glared at James.

"Daddy, it was Michael who lured Vivian away and wouldn't let her come home. James only went to bring Vivian back," Angela quickly intervened.

"Did you go and bring Vivian back? Do you think I don't know? The Queen is furious, saying you've crippled her guards and threatened her. Are you staging a rebellion?" The Duke's words made James frown slightly. Heh, so the Queen was spreading rumors now. James wasn't interested in being a King. Why would he rebel?

“Duke, I have no intentions of rebellion. I’m not interested in her crown. As for the guards, they pointed guns at my family, and I merely taught them a lesson. Their lives were never in danger,” James spoke calmly, holding Vivian.

“You haven’t got any intention? I know exactly what kind of man you are—a street hero. Do you think this is some kind of lawless gang, where you can do as you please? This is the palace, and you can't just act recklessly!" The Duke snapped.

"Daddy!" Angela quickly tried to stop her father from offending James further.

"Why not? Those who stand in my way shall die!" His dark eyes was intense as he shielded Vivian's head in his arms. With a "bang," he shot down a plaque in the living room, startling the Duke.

Angela stepped forward, her gaze on her father. "Daddy, don't try to stop us now, or I won't even be able to save you."

The Duke watched incredulously as his daughter sided with the man threatening him

James quickly left the castle with his wife and daughter, and ordered his men to prepare for rescue. He knew the Queen wouldn't let this slide.

Holding Vivian and pulling Angela alongside him, James asked, "Honey, are you really willing to go with me?"

"Nonsense! I'm your wife. Who else would I follow?" She gripped James' hand tightly.

James nodded. "Rest assured, honey. You'll find better happiness than you’ve ever had here." He kissed her forehead, then, with Vivian in his arms, they vanished into the streets of England.

They had barely reached the exit when they were suddenly encircled by the palace guards. Their halberds were glinting ominously in the light. "By the Queen's decree, seize the traitor, James!"

The guards surged forward, but James merely scoffed, having anticipated that the Queen wouldn't let him slip away that easily. He reached out and silently took Angela's hand. His grip was firm and reassuring. "Honey, take good care of Vivian. I'll handle things here."

James passed Vivian to Angela with a solemn nod. "Darling, be careful!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with concern and fear, yet trusting him with the gravity of the moment.