Thana looked up and saw Benita and Benito standing right in front of her chamber doors. Both of them wore mischievous smiles as they waved at her.
She forced an awkward smile and walked toward them.
"Start talking," Benita demanded immediately.
"Talk about what?" She asked, lowering her gaze.
"Where did you spend the night?" Benito asked, folding his arms.
"In my chamber… of course," She Stuttered
The twins exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter.
"You really expect us to believe that?"
Benito teased.
"Look at us," Benita said, lifting her chin gently. She leaned closer, studying her face carefully. "Why are your cheeks so red… and your lips even redder than usual?"
Thana's eyes widened instantly.
Benito leaned closer too, observing her suspiciously.
"What are you talking about?" Thana said quickly, looking away.
"Are you hiding something from us?" Benita asked.
"It's obvious she is," Benito added. "She's acting strange."
Before Thana could respond, a voice called from behind them.
"Your Highness!"
They turned to see Inna approaching. The moment Benito saw her, his expression brightened uncontrollably.
"Inna," Thana smiled warmly as the girl rushed forward and hugged her.
"I was so worried! I couldn't find you in your chamber this morning," Inna said.
"I… went for a walk early," Thana replied, forcing calmness into her voice. Inna nodded before turning to the twins and bowing respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Highnesses."
"How are you, Inna?" Benita asked kindly.
"I am fine, Your Highness," she replied with a gentle smile.
For a brief moment, Benito felt his heart racing wildly. When had his feelings for her grown this strong?
Without realizing it, he stepped forward and gently touched her hair. Inna's eyes widened in shock, just like Thana's and Benita's.
"I like you, Inna," Benito said softly. "Prince Benito likes you."
"Oh my goodness!" Thana and Benita gasped at the same time.
Inside Demetrio's mansion, Ezekiel stood with crossed arms, his expression dark.
"Are you saying her memories returned because of the mate bond… even after I erased them?" he asked.
"Yes," Demetrio replied calmly. "The marking connection reopened what you blocked."
Ezekiel exhaled slowly. "Will she remember me biting her too?"
"She might… or she might not. The only way she won't remember completely is if you both stay away from each other."
"Then I'll avoid her," Ezekiel scoffed. "I don't even want to see her again. She's annoying."
Demetrio chuckled faintly. "You cannot avoid your mate forever. The bond always pulls mates back together."
"Forget that bond," Ezekiel muttered."We'll never be together. I don't like her."
"We'll see," Demetrio said before heading toward his bathroom.
"Going somewhere?" Ezekiel asked.
"Yes. The witches' coven. I finally found the witch who may give me the answers I seek."
"About why Dario's name appears in the Book of Mormon?"
Demetrio hummed in confirmation.
"So you're leaving without me?"
"Just get ready, Zek. I'm tired of talking."
Ezekiel frowned. "Since when does talking make someone tired?"
Demetrio ignored him completely.
Ezekiel rolled his eyes and followed after him.
At Shaakina Palace, rumors had already begun spreading like wildfire.
A maid had seen Thana entering Dario's chamber at night, and another saw her leaving at dawn. Within hours, whispers filled the palace halls — Prince Dario and Princess Thana were secretly lovers.
The rumors reached Javier, and he wasted no time reporting them to the king.
Now Prince Dario walked toward the throne hall, unaware of why he had been summoned.
"Nemesis!"
Dario ignored the voice immediately. Only one irritating person calls him that.
Javier hurried forward and blocked his path.
"Heading to the throne hall?" he asked casually.
He simply stared at him, expression blank.
"I'm going there too," Javier added, his tone turning cold. "I warned you to stay away from Princess Thana. And now you have the nerve to sleep with her?"
Dario's brows furrowed slightly. "What are you insinuating?"
"I'll deal with you after the king finishes with you. How dare you touch the woman I desire?" Javier said darkly before walking ahead.
Dario stood confused for a moment.
"Prince Dario."
He turned at the sound of Thana's voice. She approached him with clear worry on her face and bowed slightly.
"Rumors are spreading… that we are sleeping together," she said nervously.
"What?" Dario's eyes widened.
"I think someone saw me entering your chamber last night."
Dario stared at her silently before turning to walk away.
Thana rushed in front of him."I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess," she said sincerely. "I truly am."
He Ignored her.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" she asked softly.
"Stay away from me, Princess Thana," he replied coldly.
Her eyes trembled. "Why do you keep hurting me… even after we kissed?"
Dario closed his eyes briefly before reopening them, his expression hardened.
"What happened last night was a mistake."
Thana froze. "What?"
"You wanted it. You kissed me first. Whatever happened will not happen again."
Her voice shook. "Stop saying that… you're hurting me. I love you, Prince Dario. I've loved you since we were children."
"But I don't love you," Dario replied calmly.
"I don't even like you. Stay away from me."
He walked past her without looking back.
Thana's knees gave way as tears streamed down her face."It hurts so much…"
Benita and Benito hurried over and knelt beside her, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
"That was too cold of Brother Dario," they murmured sadly.
Inside the throne hall, King Basmus sat upon his throne, his expression icy as he stared down at Dario. Javier stood nearby, watching closely.
"Javier reported that you are sleeping with King Henrik's daughter," King Basmus said.
"It is not a rumor," Javier added sharply."He is involved with Princess Thana."
"Mind your language," the king warned.
"My apologies, Your Majesty."
The king's gaze returned to Dario. "Is this true? Are you having an affair with a maiden princess? Do you wish to disgrace this kingdom?"
Dario remained silent, staring straight ahead.
"Answer me!" the king thundered.
"It is false," Dario replied calmly.
"When your father and king speak, you kneel," Javier snapped.
Dario's voice turned colder. "He is neither my father nor my king."
Shock filled the hall.
Javier stepped forward angrily. "What did you just say?"
"Get out of my face," Dario muttered.
Fury flashed across Javier's eyes as he raised his hand to slap him, but Dario caught his wrist midair.
His eyes glowed red.Sharp claws extended from his fingers, piercing Javier's skin. Blood dripped onto the marble floor.
King Basmus rose abruptly. "Release him at once!"
"Guards!" he commanded.
Soldiers rushed inside.
"This is the end," Dario said quietly.He grabbed Javier by the neck and lifted him effortlessly before throwing him across the hall. Javier slammed against the wall and collapsed to the ground.
"Javier!" the king shouted.
Dario slowly turned his gaze toward him.The king fell silent instantly under that terrifying stare.