Chapter 81 Writer's POV
The king and queen sat in their private chambers, the tension between them palpable as they discussed Aurora's escape. The king's face was stern, his jaw clenched in anger and worry.
"We need to capture Aurora before she causes more harm," the king said, his voice firm. "She's a danger to the kingdom with those dark powers."
The queen looked at him, her eyes filled with a mother's love for Aurora despite the complications. "Husband, take it easy on her," she said softly. "Aurora's still our daughter. She was dealt a hard hand with Delilah's spirit merging with hers."
The king turned to her, his expression unyielding. "Easy on her? She's escaped using black magic, wife. We can't show weakness now. The kingdom can't afford it."
The queen rose from her seat, her voice growing more urgent. "Weakness? You call being understanding of our daughter's plight weakness? Aurora's not evil. She's struggling with powers beyond her control. We should help her, not hunt her down like a criminal."
The king stood, towering over the queen slightly. "Help her? She's a threat. You know what the people say – she's a danger because of those dark powers. We must protect the kingdom."
The queen's eyes filled with tears, her love for Aurora clear. "Protect the kingdom from our own daughter? She's flesh and blood, husband. I want to help her, to guide her through this darkness. Can't we find a way to help Aurora instead of punish her for what she's become?"
The king's face softened slightly seeing the queen's tears, but his resolve remained. "Wife, I understand your love for her. But as king, I have to think of the realm's safety above personal feelings. If Aurora's out of control with those powers... we can't risk the kingdom's safety."
The queen stepped closer to him. "Then let me talk to her when she's found. Let me help her understand what's expected of her in this new power of hers. Maybe... maybe she'll listen to me."
The king considered her words, his expression less harsh. "I'll think on it. But wife, you must understand – if Aurora's actions endanger the kingdom further, I'll have no choice. I won't hesitate to protect our people."
The queen nodded slowly, knowing the weight of the king's duty. "I'll talk to her if we find her. I'll make her understand, husband."
In that moment, the queen's love for Aurora was clear – a mother's love wanting the best for her child despite the darkness surrounding her daughter. The king's duty to the kingdom clashed with that love, creating a tension between them.