Evangeline sat at the head of the ornate mahogany table, stirring her morning tea absentmindedly as her mind raced with tumultuous thoughts.

Across from her, Prince Maximilian sat with his arms folded, observing her carefully. The tension from the previous evening still lingered in the air like morning mist, though now it carried an air of inevitable resolution.

The boys, Marcus and Adrian, sat beside each other, consuming their breakfast with the blissful innocence of children. They had no comprehension that this day would alter the course of their lives forever.

Evangeline sighed deeply, placing her delicate porcelain cup upon its matching saucer. “I have reached my decision.”

Prince Maximilian raised an eyebrow, though he had already anticipated what she was about to declare.

“I am going to tell Sebastian the truth,” she said, her voice steady despite holding a note of apprehension. “I can no longer continue deceiving the boys. They deserve to know their father’s identity.”

Prince Maximilian exhaled slowly, leaning back in his velvet-cushioned chair. “Are you certain about this course of action?”

Evangeline nodded firmly, her gaze drifting to her sons. “Yes. Yesterday’s events proved that this situation cannot continue as it stands.”

Prince Maximilian ran a hand through his dark hair before nodding with resignation. “Very well. Then we shall handle this with proper protocol.”

He summoned a court messenger—a young man with alert eyes and an athletic build, dressed in the royal livery.

“Send word immediately to Prince Sebastian’s court,” Prince Maximilian instructed with formal authority. “Inform His Highness that Princess Evangeline and her sons will meet him at neutral ground today. She is prepared to introduce the children to him as their father.”

The messenger bowed respectfully before hurrying from the chamber to complete his urgent mission.

Evangeline drew a deep breath, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Prince Maximilian observed her carefully, his expression unreadable. “You are nervous.”

Evangeline laughed dryly, shaking her head. “Of course I am terrified. I cannot predict how they will react. What if they despise me for concealing this truth?”

Prince Maximilian’s expression softened as he reached across the table, placing his hand gently over hers. “They will not harbor such feelings. They love you, Evangeline. That devotion will not change.”

Evangeline forced a small smile, appreciating his reassurance despite her lingering doubts.

****

In Sebastian’s royal palace, the Crown Prince stood in his private study, staring at the messenger who had just delivered the momentous news.

His breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding so violently he could hear it echoing in his ears.

Evangeline was ready to introduce their sons to him as their father.

The words replayed in his mind like a sacred chant, and for several moments, he could not move.

This was the moment he had awaited.

This was the culmination he had desperately sought since discovering their existence—since the day he first laid eyes upon them and felt that undeniable connection of blood.

His sons. His rightful heirs.

For five agonizing years, he had been denied them—denied their first steps, their first words, their childhood laughter. And now, finally, he would meet them as their acknowledged father.

Sebastian swallowed hard, pushing back the overwhelming emotions threatening to consume him. He needed to remain composed. He needed to ensure this encounter proceeded perfectly.

Sir Marcus, who had been standing silently by the window, finally spoke. “This is promising news, Your Highness,” he said cautiously, observing Sebastian’s reaction. “It suggests she is finally willing to reconcile.”

Sebastian released a slow breath, nodding. “Indeed.”

Sir Marcus hesitated. “But remember, this meeting occurs on neutral ground, Your Highness. You must approach this diplomatically. No anger. No accusations. Focus entirely upon the children.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, but he nodded in acknowledgment.

“I understand.”

Sir Marcus smirked slightly. “Do you truly?”

Sebastian shot him a warning glare. “I will not destroy this opportunity, Sir Marcus.”

His knight sighed, crossing his arms. “Simply ensure your emotions do not override your judgment.”

Sebastian ignored the advice and grabbed his traveling cloak, striding toward the door with purpose.

“I am going to meet my sons,” he declared, his voice rough with emotion.

Evangeline knelt before Marcus and Adrian in the peaceful meadow, her hands gently holding theirs, her heart pounding like war drums. She could feel Sebastian’s intense gaze upon her, waiting for her to speak the words that would transform everything.

She swallowed hard, looking into her sons’ wide, expectant eyes.

“Boys… this is your father.”

A profound silence descended upon them. The wind rustled through the ancient trees, distant birdsong the only sound breaking the stillness.

Adrian blinked up at Sebastian, then turned to his brother. “He was our papa the entire time?”

Marcus furrowed his brows, his sharp eyes studying Sebastian as if attempting to comprehend something that had never made sense before. “But… why didn’t you tell us?”

Evangeline’s throat constricted. How could she explain five years of pain, betrayal, and protecting them from truths she had barely processed herself?

She exhaled slowly. “I was frightened,” she admitted. “Frightened of what it would mean… frightened of how it would change our lives. But you deserve the truth.”

Sebastian stepped forward, his blue eyes filled with emotions Evangeline could not identify. He crouched down to their level.

“I never stopped thinking about you,” he said, his voice rough with feeling. “Not for a single moment. I missed far too much… but that does not mean I do not love you both.”

Marcus and Adrian exchanged uncertain glances, apprehension flickering in their young faces.

Finally, Adrian stepped forward, tilting his head curiously. “Did you play games when you were small?”

Sebastian blinked, caught off guard by the innocent question, before a gentle chuckle escaped him. “Constantly,” he said. “My favorite was hide-and-seek within the palace. I was quite skilled.”

Adrian’s eyes lit up. “Impossible! I wager I can hide better than you!”

Marcus crossed his arms, still skeptical but curious. “You claim you were the best, but were you the swiftest?”

Sebastian smirked, rubbing his chin. “An excellent question. I was remarkably fast. Shall we test that?”

Both boys perked up, their hesitation melting into excitement. “Yes!” they cheered.

Evangeline watched with mixed relief and uncertainty as Sebastian led them toward an open field, his tension dissolving into laughter as he allowed the boys to chase him, their delighted giggles echoing across the countryside.

For the first time, they were not strangers. They were a father and his sons.

Evangeline stood, observing Sebastian play with their children, her arms wrapped around herself. Prince Maximilian had been correct. The boys needed their father.

She exhaled slowly. Perhaps this would not be so difficult—

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The sound of slow, mocking applause shattered the precious moment.

Evangeline’s body stiffened, her instincts flaring with alarm.

Sebastian froze mid-laugh, his expression darkening instantly.

Marcus and Adrian turned toward the sound, their smiles fading.

And there she stood.

Lady Cordelia.

She emerged from the tree line like a vengeful spirit, her crimson lips curled into a sickening smirk, her arms crossed as she leaned against an ancient oak. Her piercing dark eyes gleamed with malicious intent.

Evangeline felt her stomach plummet.

Sebastian’s entire body went rigid, his jaw clenching so tightly it appeared he might shatter his teeth. His blue eyes darkened with unbridled fury.

Lady Cordelia tilted her head mockingly, her smirk widening. “What a delightfully happy family reunion.”