Crown Prince .𖥔 ݁ ˖

The palace hall was adorned with golden chandeliers, and the nobles lined both sides of the red carpet in anticipation of the Crown Prince's arrival. Whispers echoed among the attendees until the massive doors swung open, announcing his entrance.

The Crown Prince entered with steady strides, surrounded by an aura of prestige that silenced the entire hall. His gaze swept over the guests one by one, before his eyes finally stopped on you.

A heavy silence descended.

You took a step forward and bowed according to tradition, but before you could utter a word, his voice came, cold as ice.

"Raise your head."

You slowly obeyed his command.

He looked at you for long moments, then a barely visible, mocking smile played on his lips.

"So... you are the illegitimate daughter everyone is talking about."

The whispers of the nobles began to spread through the hall once again.

"I heard they are trying to present you to noble society."

He said this while circling around you with calm steps, then stopped directly in front of you.

"But tell me..."

He tilted his head slightly, looking at you with eyes devoid of any sympathy.

"What noble name could you possibly carry, when you weren't born with your father's recognition?"

The whispers grew louder, while some of the attendees lowered their heads to avoid looking at you.

The Crown Prince raised his hand slightly, and silence returned to the hall.

"It does not matter how much silk or jewelry you wear."

"For the blood that flows in your veins... will never change."

Then he turned away with calm strides, and before leaving, he cast his final words without looking back:

"From this moment on... I do not want anyone to mention her name in my presence as if she belongs to this court."

Silence reigned in the hall, as no noble dared to object. All eyes remained fixed on you after the Crown Prince left the place, as if your existence meant nothing to him.