The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 527

The guard hesitated as he looked at Magnus, words failing him. They all knew about Magnus' strength; they had clear memories of the time he and Callum had clashed over Natalia in England, employing all manner of weaponry. So, none of them dared to provoke him now, and with great reluctance, the guard went to report the disturbance.

The Queen was roused from her sleep by the commotion, ready to mete out punishment until she heard it was Magnus stirring the pot. With a sigh, she draped a robe over her shoulders and stepped out of her chambers.

"Your Majesty, I deeply regret disturbing you at this hour," Magnus said apologetically, "but this is the evidence of Alice's treachery against my wife. I just wish to clear her name and bring her home."

With Jonas by his side, Magnus stood before the Queen as the backlight cast a commanding shadow. They regarded the Queen with an air of authority that demanded obedience.

The Queen chuckled and shook her head. She listened to the recording, immediately certain of Natalia's innocence, and ordered her release.

Taking Natalia's hand, she said, "My dear, I always knew you were innocent. This is a relief. Now, the Duke has left everything to you. As for Alice's punishment, that's a family matter. You can decide."

Natalia curtsied deeply, "Thank you, Your Majesty." She then turned and left the palace with Magnus and Jonas in tow.

By dawn, Magnus and Natalia returned to the McKinney estate.

The servants, seeing Natalia's return, snapped to attention. Natalia, holding Rowell's will, gathered the staff and summoned Rowell's lawyer to read it aloud. Only then did everyone learn Rowell had indeed left the entire McKinney fortune, including the castle, to Natalia.

On hearing Alice's recorded confession, the staff was flabbergasted and immediately pledged their loyalty to Natalia. "Miss, we're at your command from now on!"

Natalia looked at them, her mind on Alice's deeds, and bellowed, "Seize Alice!"

"At once!"

The servants rushed to Alice's room and dragged her from her bed. Confused and groggy, Alice swung a slap. "You traitors, what do you think you're doing?"

The guards returned her assault with a couple of sharp slaps. "Bitch, you dare to strike us after what you did over the Duke's body?"

"What are you babbling about?" Alice gasped in shock.

But as she was dragged out and saw Natalia seated like royalty, she shrieked, "Natalia, what are you doing here? Didn't you murder Father? Weren’t you supposed to be in jail?"

Natalia approached, contempt written all over her face as she slapped Alice hard across the cheek. "I need to teach you a lesson for defiling our Father's body! How could you betray him?"

Natalia's presence was overpowering as she coldly ordered, "Take her out of the McKinney estate. Let her fend for herself!"

Alice trembled with rage, her cheek burning from the slap. "Natalia, stop your lies! I did no such thing to Father. Mother made me do it. Let me go! You have no right to send me away. I am a McKinney lady!"

"Stop!" A deep voice echoed from the entrance as Henry, clad in a military uniform, stood imposingly against the light.

Having worked in the States for years, Henry had rushed back upon hearing of his father's death and accusations against Natalia.