The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1772

On the other side of the grand estate, Darren and Belinda emerged from the cluttered storage room, their eyes brimming with tears.

The servants promptly secured the door behind them.

Inside, Serena pounded on the locked door, her sobs fierce and heart-wrenching. "Grandma, Grandpa, I'm so sorry, I really am. Please stop crying. Don't be angry or sad over someone like me, it's not worth it."

She had watched, helpless, as her grandparents who had once doted on her, stood before her in tears, questioning her, reminding her that before all this mess, they had truly loved her as their own granddaughter.

Tears flooded Serena's face as her conscience stirred awake.

"I know nothing I say will make a difference now," she cried, banging on the door, "I've made an unforgivable mistake, I don't deserve your forgiveness. Just please, take care of yourselves, don't let this ruin your health."

She remembered how, during the confrontation, her grandparents had nearly collapsed in distress multiple times, which filled her with guilt and sorrow.

Initially, all she wanted was to maintain her status within the family, to keep the affection of her kin, nothing more.

She never intended harm to come to Arabella.

How did things get this far?

Why?

"Grandma, Grandpa." Serena wept, slumping to the floor, her strength failing her until she lay crumpled on the cold ground.

Bard also took a seat beside Arabella, expressing his concern about her injuries and experiences.

Eunice brought them freshly brewed tea, and as the adults gathered, she leaned in to whisper to Arabella, "I once said that no matter how many remnants of Doom's influence were left in Dawnstar, I'd root them all out. Now they've been caught, and there are hardly any left. You can enjoy your time in Dawnstar without worry now."

"Thanks, Aunt Eunice," Arabella replied, touched that her aunt had been working to eliminate those threats while she was away, realizing how much her aunt truly cared for her.

"Here, have some warm tea," Eunice offered her a cup, adding with a smile, "Can you tell what kind it is?"

Arabella had recognized it immediately, "Is it that tea we always drink at your place?"

"Sharp nose," Eunice chuckled, her lips curving into a smile. "I knew you liked it, so I brought six boxes for you this time."