"Speak, Victoria! Is Julian my son?!" Lucian roared, his voice echoing through the throne room. Victoria flinched in fear, her eyes wide with terror. The ministers were equally stunned, witnessing Lucian’s fury, and sensing the potential for violence.
Victoria stammered, "Y-yes, Your Majesty. Julian is your son. How could he not be yours?" Her attempt to defend herself only revealed the tremor in her voice.
Lucian’s gaze flickered to Head Minister Marlowe, catching a subtle exchange of glances. A cold realization settled over him as he understood the depths of the deceit surrounding him. His shoulders dropped, and his eyes grew icy. He could feel the betrayal from those closest to the crown.
"From now on," he declared, his voice low but deadly serious, "Prince Julian will have strict st
