Chapter six

★KING'S PALACE★

After Two Days of the Search...

King Ryder's face turned resolute as he sat on his throne.

"The search is over," King Ryder declared. "We've found the missing lady."

Queen Charlotte's eyes locked onto the king.

"Who is it?" Queen Charlotte asked.

King Ryder's gaze hardened.

"One of Noah's daughters," King Ryder replied.

The queen's expression turned surprised.

The king's advisors nodded.

"We'll bring her here," King Ryder instructed his guards.

The guards bowed.

"As you command, Your Majesty," they said.

King Ryder's face turned stern.

"If she refuses, bring her by force," King Ryder ordered.

The guards' expressions turned serious.

"Understood, Your Majesty," they replied.

With a nod, the guards departed.

Queen Charlotte's brow furrowed.

"Is force necessary?" Queen Charlotte asked.

King Ryder's jaw set.

"We can't have an incomplete gathering," King Ryder said.

The queen's expression turned concerned.

"What if she resists?" Queen Eliana wondered.

King Ryder's eyes narrowed.

"We'll handle it," King Ryder replied.

The palace gates opened, and the guards marched out.

Their destination: Noah's Mansion.

At Noah's Mansion...

Katherine sat in her room, lost in thought.

Her family's pleas still echoed in her mind.

Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the silence.

"Katherine, the palace guards are here," Mrs. Amma called out.

Katherine's heart sank. Her eyes locked onto the door.

What did this mean?

The guards' arrival signaled the beginning of a new struggle. Katherine's face set, determination etched.

She would not go quietly.

The guard's face turned apologetic. "We are sorry for the interruption, but we got an order from the king to bring your daughter to the palace," the guard said.

Katherine descended the staircase, determination etched on her face.

"I'm not going," Katherine said, her voice firm.

Tony's expression turned worried. "Kathy, don't push yourself. They're here to take you. It's an order," Tony said.

Katherine's jaw set. "But I don't want to," Katherine replied.

Her parents exchanged concerned glances.

Mrs. Amma's face pleaded. "Katherine, please reconsider," Mrs. Amma said.

Mr. Noah's expression turned calming.

"Think of your future, dear," Mr. Noah added.

Katherine's eyes flashed. "I've made up my mind," Katherine said.

She turned to leave, but a guard swiftly moved forward.

His face turned resolute.

He swooped Katherine up onto his shoulder.

Katherine's eyes widened.

She struggled, kicking and pounding his back.

"Let me go!" Katherine shouted.

Her family's faces reflected shock.

Tony's eyes blazed.

"Stop! You can't do this!" Tony protested.

Mrs. Amma rushed forward.

"Please, be gentle!" Mrs. Amma begged.

The guard's expression remained stoic.

"I'm following orders," the guard replied.

With Katherine still struggling, the guards departed Noah's Mansion.

The family watched, helpless.

Mrs. Amma's face crumpled.

"This can't be happening," Mrs. Amma whispered.

Mr. Noah's expression turned grim.

"We'll get through this," Mr. Noah said.

Tony's eyes burned.

As the guards vanished into the distance, Katherine's struggles continued.

Her determination remained unbroken.

★KING'S PALACE★

The throne room bustled with activity.

King Ryder sat, regal and imposing.

Queen Charlotte's expression turned serene.

Ethan, Lucas, and Alex, stood nearby, curious.

Dominic's absence was notable, away on a business trip.

The guards' faces set, focused. They carried Katherine, still struggling, into the throne room.

Katherine's face contorted, determination etched.

"Let me go!". Katherine shouted.

Her eyes blazed with defiance.The guards' expressions remained stoic as the guard gently flipped Katherine onto the floor.

Katherine grunted in pain, clutching her arm.

The room fell silent.

All eyes locked onto Katherine.

King Ryder's brow furrowed.

The royal family's expressions reflected surprise.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

Lucas's eyebrows rose.

Alex's face reflected concern.

Queen Charlotte's expression softened.

Her face reddened from struggle.

Her eyes flashed anger.

"Hey!" Katherine yelled at the guard. Her face reddened with anger. "How dare you flip me off like that? Don't you know how to handle lady with care?" Katherine quarreled.

Her eyes flashed with indignation. She didn't sense the royal family's presence yet.

Ruby, standing beside Queen Charlotte, chuckled softly.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Katherine's gaze remained fixed on the guard.

Until she sensed the room's silence. She turned, and her eyes widened.

The royal family's gazes locked onto her.

King Ryder's expression turned stern.

Queen Charlotte's eyebrows rose.

Ethan's lips curled into a smirk.

Lucas's eyes narrowed.

Alex's face reflected surprise.

Katherine's face paled.

Her eyes darted around the room.

She took in the lavish decorations.

The throne.

The royal family.

Her eyes locked onto King Ryder.

Realization dawned.

Her expression changed from anger to shock.

Her mouth parted slightly.

The room held its breath.

Ethan's face softened, polite.

"Are you okay? Does your arm hurt?" Ethan asked.

Katherine's expression faltered, hesitant.

She felt suffocated amidst the royal family.

Her eyes darted around the room.

Ethan's gaze remained gentle.

He stepped closer, concern etched.

"Am a medical doctor, let me see," Ethan said.

Katherine's initial hesitation waned.

She nodded slightly.

Ethan's hands moved with precision.

He examined her arm, focused.

Katherine's face relaxed.

"Is nothing serious," Ethan concluded. "I'll place an ice block on it." He turned to Riley. "Bring an ice block from the refrigerator," Ethan instructed.

Riley's expression turned helpful. "Okay," Riley said.

She stood, her chair scraping softly. She left the room, returning moments later.

An ice pack in her hand. She handed it to Ethan. Ethan placed the pack on Katherine's arm.

"Gently hold it there," Ethan guided.

Katherine's eyes met Ethan's. Gratitude flickered. "Thanks," Katherine said.

Ethan's smile warmed. "You're welcome," Ethan replied.

He stepped back, returning to his seat.

Lucas's eyes observed, intrigued.

Alex's face reflected curiosity.

King Ryder's expression softened.

Queen Charlotte's eyes sparkled with warmth.

Katherine's gaze lingered on Ethan.

A sense of calm settled.

The tension eased.

Riley sat, watching Katherine.

A silent understanding passed between them.