The warm sun cast its radiant glow over Eurhyia, as the highly anticipated day finally arrived. It was an occasion that occurred only once every few decades, and I was about to witness it for the first time - the proclamation of the kingdom's new king.

As I stepped into the dimly lit hallway outside my room, I noticed Evrart leaning on the wall with his arms crossed, waiting for me. His appearance alone revealed the heaviness in his soul. Contrary to everyone's expectations, I knew that Evrart was showing his true self.

"I... I don't want to become king. Not yet, at least," he confessed, setting aside the formalities we had been taught as members of the royal family since childhood.

"We are still grieving, but seeing the common people rejoice because of your coronation feels more like a funeral than a day of celebration for me. But as I mentioned before, we must be strong and accept the realities of life. We cannot bring him back," I replied, realizing that my words offered little comfort. This had become a recurring moment for us ever since the king's passing.

"I understand. The circumstances surrounding your ascension to the throne have been expedited due to our father’s untimely passing. The thought of marrying someone you don't love only adds to the weight of it all. And it's not just that, the way Queen Corianne is handling everything makes it even more difficult," I empathized, acknowledging the complexities of the situation.

Queen Corianne looked forward to this day for years – where she could see her son crowned as king. It had always been a source of great pride for her, like some kind of trophy worth boasting about.

"Come on, we can't dwell on this all day. Everyone is waiting for you. Trust that everything will work out. Have faith," I reassured him, pulling him into a hug. It felt slightly awkward, but strangely comforting when he returned the embrace. Though our father may be gone, I was grateful to have Evrart by my side. He felt like one of the few constants in this tumultuous life.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Evrart and I made our separate entrances into the grand throne room. The lights inside shimmered, casting a radiant glow throughout the hall. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the space. The walls were adorned with exquisite flowers, and the room was awash with hues of gold, purple, and red.

As I glanced around, a cold sweat trickled down the side of my face. The room was filled with aristocrats, including officials who fixed their gaze upon me. Some wore suspicious expressions, while noble ladies scrutinized me from head to toe. It made me feel unwelcome in the very place I was supposed to call home.

However, I refused to show any signs of weakness or intimidation. This was not the time for that. I took a slow breath, maintaining my composure like any normal day, avoiding to satisfy how they’re expecting me to act. Their judgments would never bring me down.

The bishop entered the hall and stood on the area below the stairs of the throne. He recognized the late king, the importance and responsibilities of a king, and finally introduced Evrart, the crown prince, including his accomplishments as a prince.

Evrart's countenance revealed no trace of excitement; instead, he appeared rather hesitant, merely acquiescing to the situation. He attentively read the king's oath and solemnly pledged to serve the kingdom with competence and impartiality.

The bishop anointed him, gently pouring a small amount of oil upon his head, and offered a prayer for his reign. Subsequently, the bishop placed the crown upon Evrart's head, and the assembled nobles sealed the coronation with resounding applause, exclaiming, "Long live the king!" as Evrart sat on the throne for the first time.

The people chattered as they headed to the banquet hall for the reception. As I discreetly observed my surroundings, Queen Corianne approached me with a mocking yet triumphant smile. Her eyes bore into mine, as if she could read my very soul, and she shot me a piercing glance.

“Dear, let me get this straight. Your father is gone, and you'll be needing allies in high society because people lost their faith in you. What's more amusing is that you brought this to yourself. You're weak, just like your mother, who kept on hiding behind the old king’s back. Without him, you are nothing, and I’m going to sit there and watch you, little monster,” She whispered, soft enough for anyone not to hear.

I’m well aware that she never liked me, but for her to talk to me this way in the middle of an important event is wrong. Where is her courage coming from? Anyone who'll hear her words would question her attitude toward her stepdaughter.

Even if people are suspicious of me, it’s still rude for a royalty to talk like this, especially in public. Perhaps she’s not afraid because everyone in this room is on her side?

I can be wrong, but my reputation’s ruined in whatever angle I’ll look, like how Marquess Jarvis warned me. Without giving any reaction she wants to see, I smiled the way she did, not letting her intimidate me.

"Monster, huh? Well, let's see what this so-called monster is capable of when it comes to silencing those who are seen as even greater monsters in their eyes. I wonder who that might be?" I mused, placing my index finger beneath my chin as if pondering. "Ah, yes. Perhaps somewhere within the palace."

In response to my words, Queen Corianne shot me a cold glare, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Let's see where that attitude of yours takes you," she warned, her words causing a wry smile to form on my lips.

"Guilty? I never mentioned any names. But it seems you're offended, Your Majesty. The truth can be quite harsh, don't you think?" I couldn't help but taunt her.

Unable to contain her anger, she slapped me across the face.

However, those who witnessed the incident pretended as if nothing had happened, as if it were an insignificant matter. In any other situation, such an act would have caused a commotion that needed to be stopped, but it appeared that these people were unfazed by her actions.

"I can't continue living like this," I thought, the phrase repeating in my mind.

"What is happening here?" Evrart interjected, witnessing the altercation. It seemed that my assumption about everyone being on Queen Corianne's side was incorrect – at least someone had informed Evrart about the situation.

Neither the queen nor I responded, and Evrart took charge, instructing us to resolve our issue elsewhere. We made our way to the late king's study, where Evrart positioned himself behind the desk in a regal manner, symbolizing that both of us were now facing the kingdom's new king.

Even in his role as king, his presence still evoked memories of when he was a prince.

"What’s wrong with you? You didn't even consider the significance of this day. You humiliated her in front of the entire kingdom! We share the same blood, and seeing her humiliated makes me feel the same. How can you not think about something so simple?" Evrart’s eyes filled with fury as he directed his anger towards Corianne, seemingly forgetting that he was speaking to his own mother. This situation only added another layer of complexity to Corianne's already strained relationship with her son, Evrart.

"You always perceive me as the one causing the problems," Corianne commented, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Because you are!" Evrart shouted once again, his hand slamming onto the wooden desk, making both Corianne and I flinch. "I'm going to speak my mind, and you are going to listen," Corianne and I exchanged glances for a brief moment before taking our seats after Evrart.

"For many years, I've known that you wanted our father gone, but you pretended to be a good queen to maintain a favorable reputation. But deep down, you're consumed by your own self-interest. You've repeatedly told me that I should be king, but in reality, all you desire is to be glorified. You had to gain everything because you had nothing," Evrart's words cut through the air, leaving me bewildered. While I was aware that Evrart was like a puppet under Corianne's control, I had no idea that according to him, Corianne had nothing.

"I know about your past. I questioned father about it because your memories were erased when he first met you. However, out of mercy, he chose not to reveal the painful truths to you. He made it appear as though you were the daughter of the Duke from House Rothcolt, ensuring the validity of the marriage - a noble marrying a prince,” Evrart paused as he stares into his mother’s soul.

“Your entire life has been built on lies, Queen Corianne. I know everything, and you know nothing. Do you want to uncover the truth?" Evrart's tone was serious, and Corianne could only look down at her lap, her hands clenched into fists.

"You're still my son. You can't treat me like this," Corianne reminded, her expression devoid of emotion.

"Your Majesty, I must remind you to show respect to the dowager queen, considering her position," I interjected, attempting to maintain a sense of decorum.

"I'm not asking for your opinion!" Evrart retorted, now shouting at me just as he had done to his mother. It was my first time addressing him formally as the king, but a part of me felt that it should also be the last. I clenched my teeth, restraining myself from saying anything further.

It seemed that this was what Evrart had been waiting for all these years - to become king and have the authority to express his thoughts freely, without realizing that his suppressed emotions were turning him into a rebellious son.

His gaze shifted back to his mother as he continued, "Since you're not willing to answer my question, perhaps you don't want to hear it. Shall we then discuss what transpired earlier? You publicly slapped my beloved sister. While I understand that you harbor resentment towards her because father loved his mistress more than you, it still doesn't justify humiliating her, especially on the day of my coronation. Your insensitivity stems from your self-centeredness."

"I acknowledge my own faults as well; it's not solely because of her," I admitted, surprising Evrart with my response.

"Although Her Majesty initiated the conflict, I also responded with mockery. As a result, she slapped me for fueling the fire. I believe she couldn't handle the truth she heard, but I was merely defending myself because I can no longer tolerate how I'm being treated," I explained, rising from my seat and bowing respectfully.

"I don't believe this conversation will lead us anywhere, and perhaps there are matters that I am not meant to hear. With your permission, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave."

"Do as you please," Evrart granted his approval, and I departed without looking back, closing the door behind me. I left them to discuss the matters that Corianne may have desired to hear.