The North Wing remained silent after Aurelia finished speaking.
For several moments, nobody knew what to say.
The king still held Aurelia's hand, his thumb moving slowly over her fingers as though he needed to reassure himself that she was truly there.
Salvador stood beside Ella, watching his parents.
He had imagined this moment countless times without knowing it.
He had imagined finding his mother.
He had imagined learning the truth.
But he had never imagined standing between both of his parents while they looked at each other after nearly thirty years apart.
Ella gently leaned against him.
Salvador lowered his eyes toward her.
"Thank you."
She smiled.
"For what?"
"For staying."
Ella squeezed his hand.
"I told you. You're not facing this alone."
Felix looked toward the corridor.
"We should probably discuss what happens next."
Harvey nodded.
"Before the present queen decides to disappear."
Everyone looked toward the doorway.
