The moment Lord Valdren finished speaking, the throne room exploded into chaos. Voices rose from every corner of the hall, nobles arguing over each other so loudly that it became impossible to hear anyone.

The older nobles who were fond of Princess Isadora stood up to defend her daughter.

"The blood cannot be denied!" one elderly lord shouted, slamming his hand against his chair. "We already destroyed one Ashrael princess because of our pride and shame. Will we now do the same thing to her daughter?"

Others quickly joined him.

"Haven’t we already caused enough suffering in the name of honour?" An older woman said, emotionally. "Isadora was one of us once and her daughter deserves to be heard."

But Valdren’s supporters stood up just as quickly.

"Foreign influence will destroy this kingdom!" one noble from their faction snapped. "Ravenmoor and Astoria are clearly using her like a puppet. Recognizing her could throw the succession into chaos and lead us straight into war."

"Blood alone isn’t enough. We should think about the kingdom’s future instead of emotional reunions with disgraced exiles."

The arguments became louder and more vicious. Alina stood silently in the middle of it all, feeling detached from everything that was happening around her.

No one was speaking about her as a person anymore. To them, she was only the last princess’s daughter, and a dangerous political tool.

During that painful moment, Alina finally understood how much her mother must have suffered in a kingdom which treated people like political weapons instead of human beings.

King Lucien watched everything from his throne with amusement. His chin rested on his hand while his eyes sparkled with enjoyment, as if the nobles were performing to entertain him.

When the shouting finally began to settle, Lord Valdren stood up again.

"Acknowledgement cannot be granted based on emotions and an old ring," he said calmly. "She must be observed. Her suitability must be carefully evaluated before this court can make a decision."

Alina’s stomach churned at the thought of enduring months of humiliation.

This was even worse than a direct rejection. Lord Valdren was designing a slow trap for her with endless delays.

"If she wishes to stand among royalty," he said coldly, looking straight into her eyes, "then she must prove she understands the responsibilities of royal blood."

The threat behind his words was obvious. He was making sure she suffered first before rejecting her. His plan was to make her prove herself every single day while humiliating her in front of the court, waiting for her to break and eventually accept defeat.

Then King Lucien finally spoke again, still smiling faintly. Instead of Alina, he looked at Austin.

"Very well," he said. "We’ll formally begin the acknowledgement proceedings day after tomorrow. And until this matter is resolved there will be no official discussion regarding marriage between the Duke of Ravenmoor and this girl."

A fresh wave of whispers spread through the hall now.

"Perhaps the duke wants her acknowledgement for personal reasons..."

"Love makes powerful men foolish."

Austin’s expression turned cold and dangerous. His arm tightened slightly at his side. But he controlled himself. When Alina noticed his restraint, she felt guilty as she realized the court had found a way to control Austin: through her.

The walk back to the diplomatic chambers felt endless. No one said anything.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Austin asked as she opened her room door.

"I...I want to rest," she replied. "The day has been exhausting. I want to be alone for some time."

Austin didn’t push and nodded in understanding.

"Fine," he replied. "But call for me if anything happens or you just need me."

Alina smiled while nodding.

"I will."

Austin then walked towards his room. The moment she entered the room, the full weight of the day finally crashed down on her. Her legs shook as she approached the mirror and removed the signet ring Laura had given her, her hands shaking. She stared at it for a long moment thinking about her mother.

"Can I come inside?" Laura knocked at her door.

Alina really wanted to be alone, but she still opened the door and let Laura inside.

"I thought I should help you remove the dress," Laura explained as she unfastened the corset laces on her back. "It should have been difficult for you to remove this alone."

Alina didn’t answer. She just kept staring at the ring in her hand.

"They looked at me like I was something dirty wearing my mother’s face," Alina whispered suddenly.

Laura covered her with a shawl and stood in front of her, holding her shivering hands tightly.

"No, child," she said firmly. "When they looked at you, they saw Lady Isadora standing in front of them again. And that’s what frightened them. They didn’t see you with disgust. They saw you with fear."

A tear spilled down Alina’s cheek.

"You reminded them of everything they tried to erase," Laura continued wiping her tear away. "You carried your mother’s courage into that room today, and they could not bear it."

Alina lowered her head as more tears slipped silently down her cheeks.

"Did she...mother feel like this too? Trapped... and unwanted?"

Laura’s eyes filled with sorrow.

"Yes," she admitted. "But Lady Isadora still smiled and fought to protect the people she cared about, even when this kingdom gave her nothing in return."

Alina pressed her lips tightly together, trying to stop herself from crying harder.

"I thought I would learn more about my mother by coming here but all I got was how much they hate her and me."

Before Laura could reply, someone knocked at the door. Both of them turned to the door immediately.

"At this hour?" Laura frowned.

Alina quickly wiped her face and stepped back while Laura opened the door, revealing Austin standing outside.

"I know she asked to rest," he said. "But I wanted to check on her once."

Laura smiled and stepped aside. Austin entered the room and looked at Alina. The moment he saw the tears she was trying to hide, anger and helplessness surged inside him. But he didn’t let those emotions show on his face.

"You should be resting."

Alina let out a small laugh.

"I don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight."

Austin crossed the room and stood in front of her. His gaze dropped to the ring in her hand before returning to her face.

"You’re thinking too much about what happened in there," he said softly.

"How can I not?" Alina asked, her voice cracking again. "To them, my mother and I are nothing. And the worst part is that they are going to drag this out for months. Every day they’ll humiliate me again and again until I break."

"Then let them try," Austin replied immediately. "And they’ll see that Alina Ashworth cannot be broken."

The certainty in his voice made her look up at him. He reached out slowly and wiped away another tear before it could fall.

Laura quietly looked away and left to give them privacy.

Alina then stepped forward and rested her forehead against his chest. Austin wrapped his arms around her carefully like he was afraid she might break apart completely if he held her too tightly.