Jennifer's POV:
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would get to see Austin and Elizabeth
reconcile.
After all, Austin had murdered the previous King—Elizabeth's mate—so naturally, she must've hated
him to the core.
If she really forgave Austin, she must've gone through a lot of psychological turmoil to reach this point.
Nevertheless, this was a good outcome and I was sure that Anthony would be glad when he heard
about it.
Seeing Elizabeth hugging Austin touched me to my core.
Even though Austin's expression was a bit awkward, he made no move to avoid Elizabeth's approach.I
knew it would take time for him to adjust.I couldn't help but marvel at Elizabeth's strength.
Austin had killed her beloved husband, yet she still chose to forgive him for the sake of the overall
situation.I couldn't even imagine how much courage that took.
If I were in her shoes, I doubt I'd be able to forgive him.
Then, to my surprise, Austin bowed before Elizabeth.
He used to be extremely conceited, self-centered, and even narcissistic.
Even though he had grown a bit kinder after his rule was overthrown, I had never expected that he
would accept Elizabeth from the bottom of his heart.
But it seemed he finally did accept her.He even called her Mom.
How precious a moment it was! Anthony had once told me the story between his father and Austin.
Austin's mother was doted on by the previous king, but she died giving birth to Austin.
Before his father remarried Elizabeth, he had been depressed all day long and neglected Austin
throughout his formative years.
Although Anthony didn't explicitly say so, I thought it was probably because of that that Austin and the
previous king were always at odds with each other.
Although Austin used to be a hateful man, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
With all of this on my mind, I reached out and comforted the crying Elizabeth.
"Mom, this is a good thing.You've reconciled with Austin.Don't cry!"
"Silly girl, I'm just so happy."
Elizabeth smiled through the tears.
Austin reached for some tissue and awkwardly handed it to her.
"Mom, please watch your health and calm down,"
Austin stammered, averting his gaze.
"Thank you, my dear."
Elizabeth gazed at him affectionately and gratefully accepted the tissue to wipe away her tears.
Just then, an attendant suddenly ran in, waving a mobile phone in his hand.
"Mrs.Jones, King Anthony wants to speak with you!" I took the phone immediately.
"Hello, Anthony!"
"Babe, you scared me!" Anthony said breathlessly.
"The attendant told me that you and Mom encountered a storm when you were at sea.Are you really
alright now? Babe, talk to me!"
"Anthony..." I felt a lump in my throat.
His deep concern for me was really touching.
"Anthony, I'm fine.Really.Listen to me.I'm fine." Anthony didn't calm down until I reassured him.
"Jennifer, please come back as soon as possible.I want to see you.I can't stand it anymore, especially
after everything that has happened," Anthony said in a pleading tone.
"To be honest, I get this feeling that I'll lose you whenever you're not with me.I always feel uneasy
when you're gone.Anyway, you've already seen Caroline and my brother.No need to prolong your
visit.Come back already."
I had never heard Anthony speak in such a worried tone.
But before I could agree to him, Elizabeth suddenly asked, "Jennifer, what's Anthony saying?"
Covering the mouthpiece, I told her the truth.
"Mom, Anthony wants us to go back home right now.He's worried about us and can't rest easy until we
return."
Unexpectedly, Elizabeth sighed and held out her hand in front of me.
"Jennifer, let me talk to him." I quickly handed the phone to her.
"Anthony."
Unexpectedly, as soon as Elizabeth took the phone from me, she put it on speaker.
"I know you've already heard about what happened, so I'll go straight to the point.I want Austin and
Caroline to go back to the royal palace with us."
My eyes went wide with shock.
Austin also nearly choked with surprise.
"Mom, what did you say?"
While Elizabeth had mentioned this to me before, I was surprised that she would say it so bluntly in
front of her maids and attendants.
It seemed that she was determined to take Austin and Caroline back and didn't care what others
thought.
"Mom, I'm not against this, but I want to remind you that Austin is still a convict.If you insist on bringing
him back, I'm afraid the elders will object," Anthony said in a calm voice.
Anthony's words made sense.
They had to think about the bigger picture.
Back then, it was Elizabeth who suggested exiling Austin and Caroline to the uninhabited island.
If she went back on her word now, the elders would definitely be dissatisfied.
But that didn't stop her.
Elizabeth shook her head stubbornly.
"Anthony, if it weren't for them, you wouldn't see me and Jennifer again.They risked their lives to save
us, and I believe they have made amends for their past sins.Plus, Caroline is still in a coma! She needs
to go to the royal hospital to make sure she's okay!"
What? Was Caroline's condition that bad? I was shocked.
Didn't Elizabeth just say that Caroline fainted from exhaustion? But then I saw her wink at me, and I
realized she was exaggerating the situation on purpose to persuade Anthony to let her take Caroline
back.
"Well, if that’s what you want, I have no objection," Anthony finally gave in.
"I'll inform the elders of this matter immediately."
"Okay.Don't worry about them, Anthony.It's my decision.I'll explain it to the elders myself." Elizabeth's
tone softened.
"See you soon."
Then, she hung up the phone and handed it to the attendant.
"Ask the maids to pack up.We're leaving for the royal palace tonight."
"I can't leave, Mom.Although I'm really thankful that you're willing to forgive me, I can't just forgive
myself."
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Austin suddenly fell to his knees and broke down.
"I need to stay here to atone for my sins.You can take Caroline, but not me.I don't want her to suffer
here."
Seeing this raw scene, I sighed heavily.
Elizabeth bent over and threw her arms around Austin.
"Austin, I know you have reflected on your sins.Now, you're even willing to call me Mom.How can I
leave you alone?"
"Please, Mom.I haven't made up for Dad's death!" Austin burst into tears.
"I killed him.I killed my father! I will never forgive myself! Let me stay here and continue to repent!"
"My child, you did something wrong, it's true.But your father and I are accountable, too.It was our fault
that we ignored your feelings and failed to teach you, or you wouldn't have made those mistakes."
Tears welled up in Elizabeth's eyes.
"I don't hate you anymore.Do you understand that? I just want you to live your life and turn over a new
leaf.And I think your father will agree with my decision."
Hearing this, I was also moved.I couldn't help but try to persuade Austin.
"Austin, Mom is right.You should come with us.After all, you saved our lives! We can't just leave you
here!"
Austin was silent for a moment.
Both Elizabeth and I looked at him expectantly, holding our breath.
We were afraid that if he insisted on staying, it would be difficult to change his mind.
Fortunately, Austin raised his head and said, "Okay.I'll go back with you, Mom.I will remember your
kindness to me for the rest of my days and do everything I can to repay you all."
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda