Bora "..."
Others "..."
The entire courtyard seemed to freeze.
Bora's lips parted. "...I—"
"You said that like you expected me to suddenly care." His voice was calm, but there was an edge beneath it, smooth and cutting. "Like you expected me to change my mind."
The crowd collectively held their breath.
Carl's gaze flickered over them, slow and deliberate. "Is that what you were hoping for?"
Bora swallowed, struggling to keep her expression composed. "I only meant to ensure you were informed—"
Carl cut her off. "I don't need you to inform me about things I already know."
Silence.
He knew.
Carl already knew, and yet, he still stood there, next to Nnenna, completely unaffected.
A second wave of pure shock rippled through the crowd.
It was one thing for Prince Carl to remain unaffected by the revelation of Nnenna's adoption. But to act like it didn't even matter? To treat her the same as before, as if her bloodline was irrelevant?
Now, they were furious.
