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THE KING'S QUEEN
Epilogue: Not All Love Stories Have Happy Endings
Not every love story is destined to end with a romantic reunion or a picture-perfect ending. Some love stories are lessons, shaping the people we become and teaching us to value ourselves. For Henry and Penny, the end of their relationship wasn't the end of their growth—it was the beginning. As they stepped away from each other, they carried with them the hard-earned understanding that true healing often requires letting go.
Henry's struggle was not only about losing Penny, but also about facing the deeper wounds he had been carrying since childhood. Growing up, he witnessed his father's toxic behaviours—manipulation, control, and neglect—which shaped his understanding of relationships. Unconsciously, he adopted some of those same behaviours, which ultimately led to the breakdown of his relationship with Penny. His inability to prioritize her and listen to her cries for support reflect
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The King's Queen 1. H E N R Y
"Come in, Godfrey." The room, adorned with classic furnishings and antique fixtures, takes on a subdued ambiance as the middle-aged man gracefully enters. His splendid hair, neatly gelled, exudes an air of meticulous grooming, adding to the pomp and circumstance that always surrounds him. "Your father is here to see you." I exhale audibly, a subtle roll of my eyes betraying my reluctance. "I'll be down in a moment." "Okay, sir," Godfrey acknowledges, his voice carrying an undertone of deference. He turns around, adding with formality, "Your highness." The room, draped in regal tapestries and bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, holds an air of restrained opulence. The scent of aged leather and polished mahogany furniture lingers as Godfrey makes his exit, leaving the room with a quiet sense of anticipation. I finish the remainder of my whiskey, its rich amber hue reflecting the subdued elegance of the surroundings. Slipping into a silk Gucci robe, I take a moment to relish
The King's Queen 2. P E N E L O P E
1. PENELOPE A cacophony of disco lights, neon hues, and pulsating music – a scene I vehemently despise with every fibre of my being. It's an aversion uncommon for a 24-year-old, a preference for the solace of indoor comforts. Given the choice, I'd opt for the warmth of N*****x and the embrace of a gripping crime novel, accompanied by the soothing tones of Lo-fi chill music. Tonight, however, marks a deviation from my usual sanctuary.My steadfast companion, Sophia, had yanked me from the familiar confines of my haven on a Tuesday night, disrupting the rhythm of a typical workweek. The question of why I maintain such a friendship persists, and the answer echoes clearly – love."Having fun?" Sophia inquires, her eyebrows wiggling mischievously.I frown, my reluctance evident. "No."Hoping my lack of enthusiasm would be persuasive enough for her to usher me home, I anticipate a reprieve. Instead, Sophia rolls her eyes, dismissing my resistance. "You are such a drip. Let me go get
The King's Queen 3. P E N E L O P E
1. HENRY"Penny, the boss wants to see you," Mara, the boss’s assistant, announces from the doorway, her presence casting a shadow over my desk.I nod, rising from my seat and straightening my blouse before making my way to the boss’s office. Stepping into the elevator, I feel a sense of apprehension creeping over me as it ascends to the top floor. The long passageway leading to Mr. Goodwill's office feels like a journey into the unknown, each step echoing with uncertainty.I knock on the door, and his voice beckons me inside. Mr. Goodwill's gaze sweeps over me as I approach his desk, sending a shiver down my spine. Though he's in his early thirties, his features lack the allure that his position of power seems to afford him."Take a seat," he gestures, his voice carrying a hint of underlying intent.I comply, settling into the chair across from him, my nerves on edge."Well, Penelope, I'm very impressed with your work lately. You've really helped boost the company's financials w
The King's Queen 4. H E N R Y
1. HENRYAs the tension simmers in the air, I can't shake off the unease gnawing at me. Ashby's unexpected absence and his cryptic explanation only add fuel to the fire of my suspicions. My mind races with unanswered questions, each one more unsettling than the last.With a frustrated sigh, I turn to Archie, hoping for some clarity or reassurance, but his attention remains fixed on his phone, oblivious to my mounting frustration."Where the hell have you been?" I demand as Ashby finally arrives, his nonchalant demeanour only serving to aggravate me further.His response sends a jolt of disbelief coursing through me. Penelope's house? What business did he have there? And more importantly, why wasn't I informed?Attempting to quell the rising tide of anger threatening to consume me, I press for clarification, my voice tinged with a hint of suspicion.Ashby's dismissive retort only adds fuel to the fire, his frustration mirroring my own as he defends his actions with growing agitati
The King's Queen 5. P E N E L O P E
1. PENELOPE"I have plans for tomorrow night," I announce to Ashby as he settles into my living room. He had come over for the night, his usual calm demeanour slightly troubled by whatever had transpired with his brother earlier."With me?" he inquires, his expression curious.I clear my throat, hesitant to divulge the truth. "No, it's with a friend from work," I reply, my voice tinged with unease.Ashby raises an eyebrow, his gaze probing. "What's your friend's name?""Jeanette," I respond, feeling a pang of guilt for the lie slipping easily from my lips.I silently scold myself for falling into this pattern of deception. It's becoming too easy, too comfortable."Sounds like a girls' night out," Ashby remarks cheerfully, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Where are you planning to go?""Acre's," I admit, noting the surprise in his expression at the mention of the upscale restaurant."Yeah, she's been wanting to go, and she asked me to join her," I explain, feeling the weight of
The King's Queen 6. H E N R Y
1. HENRYMy blood boiled with fury, a primal rage coursing through my veins at the sight of Penny's distress. That vile excuse for a man had dared to lay a hand on her, and I would not stand for it. With clenched fists and gritted teeth, I vowed to teach him a lesson he wouldn't soon forget.I delivered a single, decisive blow, the impact reverberating through the air as my knuckles connected with his jaw. With a swift command to my security team, I ordered them to escort him to the dungeon, a relic of a bygone era that still served its purpose in dealing with scum like him.Archie, ever the loyal friend, whisked Penny away to the safety of the castle, his phone buzzing incessantly with updates on her condition. Each ring felt like a dagger to my heart, a reminder of the pain she was enduring because of that despicable man.As we made our way back to the castle, Archie's pleas grew more desperate, his voice tinged with urgency as he begged for the chance to comfort Penny. Relucta
The King's Queen 7. P E N E L O P E
I got home and Aunt Linda was fast asleep on the couch with the TV on, Ashby grabs a blanket on the loveseat and covers her with it and then turns off the TV.We quietly sneak down the hall to my room, where I open the door and we get in.I feel relieved and throw my shoes on the floor."You didn't have to bring me here," I say, placing my purse down on my dressing table.He looks at me, "I wanted to make sure you got home safe.""Thank you."He steps closer to me, and his manly musk hits my nostrils, taking over my senses."Why didn't you tell me abo
The King's Queen 8. H E N R Y
I had taken Archie's advice of getting to know Penny on a personal level, without the crown, the guards, and the paparazzi, just me and her, figuring out who she was and what she loved. Turns out she is a huge Witcher fan and thinks that I look just like him, quite frankly, I look nothing like that beast, he is poorly mannered and uncivilized, and I am the opposite of that. She used to work at the local library before she went to college. She started working for Vogue three years ago after Ashby helped her land the job. His cousin Dave who worked at HR told him about it and put in a good word for her and now she could be jobless because I acted like Geralt of Rivia, these stupid fantasy names."So, you and Ashby?""What about us?" she asks looking at me.She looked so cu
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