Chapter 108: Startling Revelations

"Is it really our Queen?" a loud voice exclaimed from the crowd, causing a ripple of murmurs and whispers among the onlookers.

"The Queen!... The Queen?" wondered many.

Unlike the desolate dunes of sand, Lanark bustled with activity after the lifting of the state of emergency. And while the younger generations had only heard tales, the older ones recognized the camel palanquin of the Emorian Queen, and their minds were filled with endless speculations.

"But isn't that Lady Adelaide?" someone whispered, their voice hushed.

"Shh, quiet!" another cautioned.

Adela sank deeper into the cushions of her seat wishing the translucent fabrics around her were thicker. Never before had she felt so mortified about being called her own name!

"Don't listen to them," came Arkin's comforting, low-toned voice next to her.

Arkin...