The heavy doors of the king's private chamber closed behind them with a loud thud. The king sat behind his desk with a quill in his hand. He looked up slowly as they entered. His face looked calm but his eyes immediately darkened as he noticed the file in Austin's hands.
"Austin and Alina," he said with a smile. "How good to see you again. I've heard quite interesting rumours about your little journey to the capital."
Austin ignored his greeting completely. He stepped forward and put the file on the table.
"Your Majesty," Austin said. "We have come here to discuss something very important. The matter concerns the crown itself."
The king didn't respond, waiting for him to continue. Austin then opened the file and spread all the documents across the desk, putting the adoption papers on the top.
"We found these documents from Chancellor Crane's private archives. They prove that Audrey is not your biological daughter. She is the daughter of Chancellor Crane and the late Empress."
