Chapter 691: The Daughter of Victoria
Gradually, the noise in the square died down.
The arguments faded first, then the muttering, until eventually only the cold wind could be heard moving through the crowd.
Thousands of eyes remained fixed on Sophia.
Some angry.
Some uncertain.
Some openly distrustful.
Sophia inhaled slowly as snow drifted softly around the square.
Then finally, she spoke.
"Before I begin…" she said clearly, her voice carrying through the silence, "I must apologize to all of you."
A faint ripple moved through the crowd.
Then Sophia bowed deeply.
"I am sorry."
The square fell even quieter somehow.
Orion stood behind her, jaw tight, a low growl escaping him. He hated hearing her apologize for things that were not hers to carry.
But he stayed silent.
Because this was Sophia's moment.
Slowly, she straightened again.
