Two years later, the Astria Kingdom won a war, and Karl announced a grand celebration.

"Prince, there will be a grand celebration in a week!" Chloe told Lucian.

The palace buzzed with excitement on the day of the celebration. The grand hall was filled with nobles, warriors, and dignitaries. The gates opened as the royal family made their entrance.

"His Majesty, along with Her Majesty, the Crown Prince, and the Princess, has arrived!" the gatekeeper announced.

Karl took his place at the center and commanded, "Begin the ceremony."

Lucian, watching from a hidden corner, was awestruck. It was the first time he had seen such a gathering. Suddenly, a noble caught sight of him.

"Who is that? How did a beggar enter the palace?" the noble sneered.

A soldier frowned. "That can’t be a prince! Just look at his clothes."

Lucian, wearing an old, worn-out outfit, began trembling. Chloe rushed to his side. "Prince—"

Before she could stop him, Lucian ran toward Elsa, crying, "Mummy! Mummy!"

The hall fell silent. The nobles whispered among themselves.

"Who is that child?"

"Could it be...?"

"The third prince? The one the king despises?"

Karl's eyes darkened. "Take him away."

Chloe tried to console Lucian, but he clung to Elsa’s gaze. "I want my mom!"

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Elsa took a step forward, but Karl grabbed her wrist. The look in his eyes silenced her.

Lucian was dragged away. That evening, Karl summoned Elsa to his office.

"Bring the third prince here," he ordered coldly.

Elsa stood her ground. "Why? You’ve never acknowledged him before."

Karl glared. "Who brought him into the hall?"

Elsa scoffed. "So what if he was there? Karl, I don’t know why you hate him, but I won’t let you harm him."

Karl’s expression darkened. "Elsa, he is not my child. I want nothing to do with him."

Elsa gasped. "How can you say that?!"

Karl leaned forward. "Forget about him."

"No! I can’t! He is my son!"

Karl’s patience snapped. "Then choose: Novel and Ersia or him. If you choose Lucian, you will never see your other children again."

Elsa paled. "Karl, they are all my children!"

"Choose. Now."

Tears streamed down Elsa’s face. She looked toward the door as if hoping for an escape. "I’m sorry, my baby. Mummy doesn’t have enough power. I’m sorry, Lucian."

Karl smirked. "You’ve made your choice. From now on, you only have Novel and Ersia."

A sudden noise came from the hallway. The door was slightly ajar.

"How much did he hear?" Karl asked coldly.

Adios, his aide, replied, "Since you gave the queen the ultimatum."

Elsa’s breath hitched. "No… No… My baby…"

She ran toward Lucian’s room, finding Chloe knocking desperately.

"Prince, please open the door!" Chloe pleaded.

Elsa placed her palm on the door. "Lucian, my baby, please let me see you."

Silence.

Lucian never opened the door.

Later that night, Karl issued his final decree. "Send the third prince to the Southern Palace."

Adios hesitated. "The Southern Palace, Your Majesty? But that place—"

"I wasn’t asking for your opinion. That’s an order."

The next day, Elsa noticed servants moving luggage. "Is someone arriving?"

Aria, the headmaid, hesitated. "No, Your Majesty."

Elsa frowned. "Then whose bags are those?"

"By the king’s decree, the third prince is to reside in the Southern Palace."

Elsa's blood ran cold. "No! I must speak to Karl!"

"I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but you are not allowed to leave your chambers until he is moved. Furthermore, you will not be allowed to visit him."

Desperate, Elsa pleaded. "Aria, please! Let me see him one last time! I’ll do anything!"

Aria relayed her request to Karl. After a moment’s silence, he said, "Fine. But it will be the last time."

When Lucian entered Elsa’s room, he bowed stiffly. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Elsa’s breath caught. Her son had stopped calling her ‘Mom.’