The king sat on his throne, his expression unreadable as he addressed Edeline.
"You may return home with William," he declared.
Edeline hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. She clutched William's hand tightly and, without another word, left the hall.
The king then turned to his knights. "Seize Jonathan and Julian."
The knights moved swiftly, grabbing the two boys.
Cassandra, Edward, and Charles remained on their knees, swords held at their throats. Their eyes widened in horror as they watched the knights take Jonathan.
"Wait! Where are you taking him?!" Cassandra cried out, her voice desperate.
Edward's face darkened. "You have no right to take my son!"
The king's gaze was cold. "Jonathan will remain here."
Cassandra's breath hitched. "No… No way! He's my child!" Tears streamed down her face as she struggled against her restraints.
The king's voice was final. "Kill them."
A collective gasp echoed through the chamber.
"No! Let me hold Julian—just once!" Cassandra pleaded.
The knights restrained Julian, who looked up at his mother, terrified.
"Mother, why are you crying? What's happening?" Julian's small voice trembled.
Cassandra hugged him tightly, her body shaking. She whispered urgently, "Julian… from now on, your name is Jonathan. Do you understand?"
Julian's eyes widened in confusion, but before he could speak, the king's voice cut through the air.
"Enough. Take Julian away."
The knights obeyed, tearing the child from his mother's embrace.
Edward remained silent, his gaze locked onto Charles.
The king gave one final command. "Take Cassandra and Edward to the prison."
Edward's eyes filled with tears as he looked at Charles for the last time. A sad smile played on his lips.
"Goodbye… I suppose this is our last meeting."
Then, the knights dragged them away.
Silence hung over the royal hall like a heavy shroud.
Charles remained on his knees, his heart pounding as the king's gaze bore into him.
"I will not kill you," the king declared. "Nor will I send you to prison."
Charles lifted his head slightly, eyes filled with cautious disbelief.
"You are my brother's son," the king continued. "I made him a promise—to never harm you. That is the only reason you are still standing here today." His voice was firm, devoid of warmth.
Charles clenched his fists. "Then… what will you do with me?"
The king's gaze flickered toward the child nearby. "Julian will stay with you. You will take care of him."
Charles swallowed hard. "And what about Jonathan?"
The king's expression darkened. "That is none of your concern." His tone was absolute. "Now, take Julian and leave."
Before Charles could protest, the knights grabbed him and dragged him outside.
The carriage door was thrown open, and Charles was shoved inside. He barely had time to steady himself before noticing Julian curled up in the corner, sobbing.
Charles reached for him. "Julian—"
The boy hiccupped through his tears. "W-what did they do to my parents?" His tiny hands clutched his sleeves as he trembled.
Charles pulled him into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Julian sniffled, his voice small. "Mother told me… I'm Jonathan now."
Charles paused, staring down at him.
After a moment, he nodded. "Alright… from now on, you are Jonathan."
The carriage rattled forward, leaving the palace behind. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—nothing would ever be the same again.
Edeline and William arrived at their small home. The air was heavy with tension, and as soon as the door closed behind them, William spun around, his face contorted with anger.
"Why did you do that?!" he shouted.
Edeline sighed, rubbing her temples. "I am your mother," she said firmly. "Do you think I wasn't hurt when your father—" Her voice wavered before she forced herself to continue. "—cheated on me with Edward?" Her eyes burned with unspoken pain.
William stood frozen, his lips pressing together. He had never seen his mother like this.
After a moment, Edeline exhaled and softened her tone. "I'm sorry… my temper got high" She reached out and gently touched his shoulder. "You must be hungry. Sit down."
Still processing everything, William wordlessly sat at the small wooden table. His gaze drifted around the house—it was nothing like the grand mansion he had grown up in. The walls were plain, the furniture sparse.
Edeline placed a plate in front of him. "Here. Eat."
William stared at the food in confusion. "What is this?"
Edeline raised a brow. "It's a pancake. Don't tell me you don't know what that is."
William hesitated before taking a bite. His eyes widened. It was soft, warm, and slightly sweet—simple, yet comforting.
A small, genuine smile crept onto Edeline's face as she watched her son eat with newfound joy.
For the first time that day, the tension between them seemed to ease.
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The carriage rattled to a stop in front of the mansion. As the door opened, the knights stepped forward, their gazes cold and unyielding.
"Remember," one of them warned in a low voice. "If you try anything or speak a word of this to anyone… we will show no mercy."
Charles met the knight's eyes, his face unreadable. "I understand," he said evenly. "I won't do anything."
Satisfied, the knights stepped back, allowing Charles and Julian to step out.
As they entered the mansion, the butler approached, bowing. "Welcome back, my lord."
Seraphina, who had been waiting nearby, quickly walked over. "Welcome back," she greeted. Her eyes then fell on the boy beside Charles. "Julian?"
Before Julian could respond, Charles interjected, "He is Jonathan."
Seraphina frowned. "Jonathan? Why is he here?"
Charles turned to the butler. "Take him to a room. Make sure he eats something."
The butler nodded, gently taking Julian's hand. "Come with me, young master."
Julian hesitated, glancing back at Charles, but the older man only gave him a small nod. With that, Julian followed the butler down the hall.
As soon as they were gone, Seraphina crossed her arms. "Something happened." Her voice held suspicion. "Did Edeline do something?"
Charles exhaled sharply. "No." His tone was clipped.
Seraphina's frown deepened. "Then what—"
"It was the king's order," Charles cut in, his voice firm. "I don't want to talk about it."
She watched him closely, searching his face for answers.
"I'm going to my office," Charles muttered. "Leave me alone for the night."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and disappeared into the dimly lit corridors, leaving Seraphina standing there with questions that had no answers.