Chapter 339: Reconciled
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 outcand I was sure that Anthony would be glad when he heard about it.
Seeing Elizabeth hugging Austin touchedto 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 tfor 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 toldthe 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.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"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 stissue 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 toldthat 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 forwas really touching.
"Anthony, I'm fine.Really.Listen to me.I'm fine." Anthony didn't calm down until I reassured him.
"Jennifer, please cback 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.Cback 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 hright 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, lettalk 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 tobefore, 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 seeand 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!"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhat? 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 callMom.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! Letstay 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 cwith 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 tofor the rest of my days and do everything I can to repay you all."