Everyone was stunned.
Ivan was so shaken by the slap that he could only clutch his swollen cheek, speechless.
"This isn't Kontina, and you're not in your royal court. Watch your language," Alyssa said coldly, poking Ivan's stiff, ashen face as she fixed him with an icy stare.
Then she shot Anthony a frosty glance. "Keep your dog on a leash, Mr. Stewart. If you can't, I'll have to step in myself."
Axel burst into laughter, clapping his hands. "Nice one, Lyse! But let me handle it next time. I don't want you hurting your hand."
"I know who you are, young lady."
Not only was Anthony unangered, he even smiled warmly at Alyssa. "Princess Yuliana speaks of you often. She's very fond of you."
Alyssa's voice turned flat. "Princess Yuliana, you say? Seems you and your daughter have grown distant. Since she isn't your biological daughter, you're no longer willing to acknowledge her, is that it?"
Anthony's expression stiffened at once. He pressed his lips together. At the same time, Liam's heart sank, his worry for Yuliana surging.
"Mr. Stewart, I have no interest in the royal family's secrets. But Yules is my close friend. She's someone very important to me. If you mistreat her or push her around just because she isn't your daughter, just know that the Taylors won't stand by and watch."
"Your Majesty."
Liam stepped forward, stopping in front of Anthony. His gaze was steady, laced with concern. "My name is Liam Whitaker, the third son of the Taylor family. I am also Yuliana's suitor."
Anthony narrowed his eyes, studying the young man who dared to confront him. As he looked closer, something struck him—Liam's eyes felt familiar. Strikingly so. They resembled the eyes of a woman he had buried deep in his heart, one he had never dared to speak of.
"If you no longer wish to keep Yules by your side, I'll go to Kontina and bring her back with me."
Sincerity shone in Liam's clear, unwavering eyes. "Let me love her, protect her, and care for her for the rest of her life."
Everyone's jaws dropped, including Alyssa's. No one had expected Liam, usually gentle and unassuming, to confront the king so directly and declare his intentions so boldly.
"Who is your mother?" Anthony suddenly asked, his eyes lighting up.



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