Morning light filtered through the tall windows of the diplomatic quarters, bathing the room golden.

Alina stood before the mirror like a statue, barely breathing as Laura dressed her. She made her wear a formal court gown of deep emerald green embroidered with silver thread, the traditional colours of Arcsdedia.

The gown was beautiful, yet it felt like chains. Every pin in her hair, every jewel at her neck reminded her that today’s an entire court who hated her would judge her.

After styling her hair, Laura stood in front of her and watched her from head to toe, making sure she looked perfect.

"You look so much like her," she whispered. "For a moment I thought Lady Isadora herself was standing here."

Alina’s eyes welled up.

"But I don’t feel like her, Laura. I feel like a fraud wearing Arcasedian colours. No matter how hard I try, I can’t let fear out of my mind."

"Fear is normal, child," Laura cupped her face gently. "Courage is not walking without fear. It is walking forward while terrified. Your mother was shaking the first time she addressed the court. She told me later she wanted to run. But she stayed. And so will you."

Their gazes turned to the door as Austin entered the room, ready. He noticed the untouched breakfast tray on the table and her trembling fingers. He didn’t wait. He crossed the room and immediately took her cold hands in his.

"You need to eat," he said, walking her to the table. He tore off a piece of bread and held it to her lips. "Just a few bites. You need strength for later."

Laura sensing she wasn’t needed in the room anymore, quietly left.

Alina chewed slowly, her eyes locked onto his.

"I didn’t know this would be so difficult, Austin. I think...I think I’m going to fail my mother," she panicked.

Austin knelt so their eyes were level.

"You have survived far more crueler things than a courtroom," he said as he reached up and brushed a loose strand of her hair away. "Today you just have to speak the truth. That’s it. And I’m here... right beside you."

He held her hands until her trembling slowly eased.

"I don’t know what I’d do without you," she mumbled.

"You don’t have to think about it as it would never happen," he smiled.

A sudden sharp knock shattered the moment. A royal attendant stood in the doorway with a blank expression.

"The court of Arcasedia will now receive the Astorian delegation." he said and left.

Alina’s stomach dropped. It was the time.

Even with Austin beside her, the walk through the palace corridors felt like marching to judgement. Servants paused in their work to stare at her while some nobles gathered in small groups whispering as the group passed.

Dorian walked a few steps ahead in his usual confidence. Laura was on her left, looking calm but her eyes remembered the palace and the memories. Austin was on her right, their sleeves brushing with every step.

At the enormous golden doors of the throne room, flanked by armed guards and announcement drums, Alina’s steps faltered . Her legs suddenly felt weak. It looked like she was about to collapse but Austin held her immediately.

"Breathe," Austin whispered near her ear, tightening his hold on her hand. "Just look at me if it becomes too much."

That steadied Alina enough to keep walking.

The doors swung open and they entered inside. The Thorne room was vast and felt overwhelming. Nobles sat in tiered galleries like spectators at a theatre. At the far end, elevated on a throne of white marble sat King Lucien Ashrael. He watched them approach with a knowing amusement.

"His Highness Prince Dorian of Astoria," the herald announced loudly. "Accompanied by the Astorian diplomatic delegation and guests of the crown."

Dorian stepped forward immediately and delivered the practiced introduction. He spoke about the relationship between Astoria and Arcasedia. Then his tone changed.

"Among those accompanying our delegation is a woman who wishes to address the court personally."

Silence settled over the hall. It was rare for an unknown woman from a diplomatic delegation to speak in the court especially in front of the king.

Alina took a deep breath and stepped forward. Her heart was pounding in her ears. Remembering Laura’s every lesson, she used her left foot first as she took slow steps towards the throne, keeping her chin high and shoulders straight. She stopped just a few steps away from the throne and looked up at the King.

"My name is Alina Ash..."

Before she could finish, King Lucien’s laughter echoed through the hall like poison.

"I know exactly who you are," the King said, leaning forward with a cruel smile. "Daughter of my reckless sister Isadora, who abandoned her sacred duty, her royal heritage, and her entire bloodline to run away with a worthless man like a thief in the night. And you..."

His gaze raked over her with open contempt.

"You are the pitiful result of that shameful mistake. Sold by your desperate, weak father into a duke’s bed for his entertainment. And now you crawl back here, playing a princess, expecting this court to grant you honour and recognition so that you can marry the man whose bed you warm?"

The words hit Alina like repeated blows. She stood frozen, unable to breathe. Heat flooded her face and tears filled in her eyes.

Her every insecurity of being unwanted, being bought and sold, being unworthy of her own blood had been said openly in the court by the king himself. Whispers immediately began across the galleries.

"Bed warmer..."

"The duke brought his mistress to our court?"

"Is she supposed to be the Ashrael heir?"

Alina stood frozen under their whispers, each word making her feel smaller and more numb. Austin instantly stepped forward, and stood beside her, holding her hand firmly.

"You are insulting a woman for surviving the cruelty your kingdom helped create," he said coldly, looking directly at the king. "Her mother ran because this court valued honour more than their own blood. Her father sold her because he was weak making his daughter pay the price of his mistakes. Yet she still stands here today with more honour and courage than any of you who sit here while hiding behind your titles."

The hall fell silent. Nobles stared in shock. Challenging the king openly in his own court meant political suicide. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

King Lucien studied Austin for a whole minute, then turned his cold gaze back to Alina. The amusement slowly disappeared from his eyes, replaced by something far more dangerous.

"Interesting," he said softly, a chilling smile curving his lips. "You truly have your mother’s talent for causing disruption."