The grand dining hall glittered under crystal chandeliers, its opulence a stark contrast to the quiet war of glances unfolding beneath.
Hunter, the King's steward, led the procession with ceremonial precision. Werner and Evelyn walked side by side—close enough to appear united, far enough to betray their unfamiliarity. Just before the doors, Werner extended his arm---A command, not an invitation.
Evelyn placed her hand lightly on his sleeve, her fingers barely grazing the embroidered silk.
Behind them, Tanya's breath hitched. The sight of their linked arms seemed to physically wound her, her knuckles whitening around the carafe of wine she carried.
Ruth sidled up, her whisper a velvet dagger. "Look how affectionate our Prince and Princess are."
Tanya's jaw clenched.
The royal family awaited them like a tableau of painted smiles.
William rose first, his bow impeccably respectful. "A joyous morning to you both." He said, warmth lacing his words. Evelyn returned his greeting with practiced grace.
Then Eden unfolded from his chair, his grin sharp as a stiletto. "Welcome to the family." He drawled, raking his gaze over Evelyn with amused scrutiny. His attention slid to Tanya, lingering just long enough to twist the knife before adding. "Though being Werner's wife does come with… unique challenges."
A beat of silence.
King Winfred boomed with laughter, blissfully deaf to the venom beneath the words. "Ah, even royals jest! You'll grow accustomed to it, my dear." He surged forward, crushing Werner in a bearish embrace before planting a kiss on each cheek.
Evelyn kept her smile intact.
Watching Winfred's obvious favoritism towards Werner, Eden suppressed his anger and sat back in his seat with hatred, viciously slicing a piece of the meat in front of him and bringing it to his mouth to chew.
Evelyn sensed Eden's displeasure and, slightly embarrassed, scanned over to the young girl in the wheelchair beside Eden, who was also looking at her quietly at the moment. To her surprise, the girl's seat was next to the king, who obviously loved the disabled daughter more than Prince Eden.
Their eyes met.
Melody smiled first—soft, unassuming, a flicker of warmth in this den of wolves. Evelyn returned it, gracious as polished silver.
Queen Sita's voice sliced through the clatter of cutlery.
"What a matched pair these two make." She complimented, yet her smile not quite reaching her eyes. Then, with deliberate casualness, she added. "Now that you're wed, Werner, perhaps it's time to replace your… maid… with proper guards."
Werner's knife stilled mid-slice.
Across the room, Tanya's head bowed, her fists clenched so tight her nails bit half-moons into her palms.
Winfred nodded, oblivious to the undercurrents. "Your mother speaks wisely. Evelyn can attend to you within the palace. Outside, you'll need trained guards—my Crown Prince deserves no less."
Werner went rigid, his grip on the knife turning his knuckles bone-white.
Werner's jaw tightened as he met Sita and Eden's mocking stares—their smiles sharp as daggers, daring him to object. For a heartbeat, fury burned in his chest—then he swallowed it down like bitter wine.
"All as Father arranges." He said, bowing his head just enough to feign deference.
Behind him, Tanya trembled, her nails drawing blood from her palms. She bit her lip raw, stifling the scream clawing up her throat.
The tension at the table thickened, suffocating. Evelyn, sensing Werner's barely leashed rage beneath his calm facade, acted on instinct.
"Father." She blurted, then flushed—the word foreign on her tongue.
Werner whirled toward her, eyes flashing warning—but Winfred's booming laugh cut him off.
"What did you just call me?" The King wheezed, slapping the table in delight.
Evelyn ducked her head, playing the bashful bride. "Fa...Father?"
Winfred roared with laughter until he coughed, wiping tears as he elbowed Werner. "Your wife's as bold as you! Not a princess yet—just my daughter!"
Werner's mind blanked—since when did Evelyn learn to play the game so well?—but he recovered with a grin. "Evelyn's as unruly as I am. She's not used to titles... only to being family."
The words tasted like ash. But the way Winfred beamed made the performance worth it.
Across the table, Sita's smile froze.
Winfred's eyes crinkled in approval as he leaned toward Evelyn. "What was it you wished to say, child?"
Evelyn's gaze flicked to Werner—a silent signal.
"Father, I'm still unfamiliar with palace affairs. Tanya has served Werner for years, they share an understanding. When he's occupied with state matters beyond my reach..." She paused, her voice softening with wifely concern. "I'd rest easier knowing someone as devoted as Tanya tends to him. Guards are for protection, but a maid's attentiveness is irreplaceable. Might she continue her service?"
A stunned silence gripped the table.
Sita struck first, her teacup clattering against its saucer. "A married prince trailed by a maid invites scandal. The court will whisper."
Evelyn's reply was butter-smooth. "Rumors are wind. Werner's comfort is my priority." She turned to Tanya with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I trust her implicitly—as should everyone here."
Winfred boomed with laughter, slapping the table. "No wonder my son chose you!"
He looked at his other two sons and instructed. "You two young lads, you should also think about your life matters quickly. When you choose your wives, you should all choose someone like Evelyn, who is only devoted to you and is so generous and dignified." Then to Evelyn, "Good girl, you do care for Werner, I grant your request."
Werner looked at Evelyn with a hint of an unreadable gaze, and between the two of them, Evelyn could see that Werner was grateful for what she just did..
Even though Tanya was able to remain with Werner, seeing Evelyn praised made her feel worse instead, as it only made her even smaller. She looks at Evelyn, who is being watched by Werner, with jealousy and resentment in her eyes.
After breakfast, people are leaving.
As the gathering dispersed, Melody wheeled herself to Winfred's side, pressing a playful kiss to his cheek before maneuvering toward Werner.
"Brother!" She chirped, mischief glinting in her eyes, "may I borrow your wife? I'd like to know the woman who outmaneuvered mother during breakfast."
Werner ruffled this little sister's hair—a gesture so tender it startled Evelyn. "Go play with her. She'll be buried in etiquette lessons soon enough."
Leaning close, he murmured in Evelyn's ear. "Melody's the only sane one in Sita's brood."
Evelyn laughed, the sound genuine as she offered her arm. Melody clasped it without hesitation, her grip warm and sure.
Tanya watched them go, her throat tight.
For the first time, she felt insecure about other woman. With every passing hour, Werner's walls crumbled for Evelyn.