Iria was walking around the royal garden with Queen Lorey. The latter summoned her and said that she wanted to spend some time with her as a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Though she wasn't fond of this garden at all, rejecting the Queen would do her no good. So, she went there and just listened to whatever the Queen said.

"You are so quiet, Crown Princess. Are you not interested in my talk or... are you feeling uncomfortable with me?" Queen Lorey Helev said to her in a gentle voice when she kept her silence for a few minutes.

"It's not that, Your Majesty." Iria Alewine promptly said. "I don't know what to say. Besides, I was afraid that I would say something that I shouldn't." She wanted to be alert at all times.

The Queen flashed an elegant smile. "You don't have to be so careful around me. To be honest, we are very similar. You are the Princess of Jerivia who married to this kingdom for your people. I'm the Princess of Nathania who married for the same purpose. However, I sincerely love the King."

"If you have any problems, you can always turn to me. I will do whatever I can to help you." Queen Lorey added as she halted and glanced at Iria.

If Iria didn't know the true nature of this seemingly graceful Queen, she might even fall for her sweet and comforting words. What's more, she resembled an elegant woman but what's the use of that? She had an ugly heart.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." Iria simply said out of courtesy. She only wanted to lie low and returned soon. She didn't want any trouble.

Queen Lorey smiled at her and hold her hands which startled Iria. She wasn't used to this! When the Queen noticed her reaction, she slightly chuckled. "You grew up without a mother. I understand even if you are not used to this. However, I wish we can be like a real mother and daughter."

Feeling troubled, Iria only nodded once. She really wished to break free from the grip of this wicked Queen who acted all elegant!

Her wish wasn't still granted as the Queen said, "Did the Crown Prince treat you well? You can tell me if he neglects you."

"Crown Prince Arin is very kind to me. I have no problem." She promptly said.

Was the Queen's purpose to find fault in the Crown Prince? The Crown Prince accepted this marriage in his own will and... he will surely be criticized if she spoke against him! Thinking of this, Iria slowly started to understand why the Queen acted so caring!

Palace politics and schemes; she abhorred these. As a soldier, she tried so hard and sacrificed her all to ensure peace for her kingdom yet the power-hungry people with high status only cared about power and themselves! For them, the well-being of the kingdom was always less important than gaining power!

"That's great to hear, Crown Princess. However, feel free to tell me if you have any problem. The Crown Prince might not be my biological son but that doesn't mean he is not my son. I will help you scold him." Queen Lorey's voice was so calm and tempting. It made Iria wondered how many people would she fooled by acting this way! Was the King among them too?!

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I have no problem with the Crown Prince. I will tell you if there is one." She deliberately lied as she was tired of the Queen's persistence.

Queen Lorey flashed an assuring smile and gently patted her hand with hers until...

Their hands were suddenly separated by someone!

"Crown Prince." Queen Lorey uttered in a flustered face.

Though Iria was equally surprised, she was glad that she was finally free from the Queen's grip. Before she could even look at the Crown Prince, he pulled her and shielded her with his body. He firmly stood between her and the Queen!

"What do you think you're doing?" The Queen snapped. She tried her best not to raise her voice as Iria was still there.

Ignoring the Queen, Crown Prince Arin turned to Antony who was standing two or three steps away. "Escort the Crown Princess back." He commanded.

Antony bowed and approached Iria. Gesturing her to the exit of the royal garden, he said, "This way, Your Highness."

Staring at Arin for a split second, Iria nodded to Antony and left with him.

"You went too far today, Crown Prince." Queen Lorey immediately warned Arin with a sharp glare.

"Stay away from Iria," Arin warned her back, unfazed by her words.

"I'm just having a walk with my daughter-in-law. What's wrong with that?" The Queen snarled. She turned away from the Crown Prince and shook her head in disappointment.

"How can she be your daughter-in-law while you're not even my mother?" Arin simply said without even blinking an eye!

"Arin Helev!" Queen Lorey snapped. "I'm the Queen of this kingdom. No matter what, I'm your mother under the law." She firmly declared.

"Is that so?" Arin's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What kind of mother is too eager to kill her son?" His gaze remained impassive.

"How dare you! I'm - "

"Don't ever claim to be my mother again." Arin's low voice shut up the Queen. "It disgusts me."

"Crown Prince - "

"Listen carefully," Arin grunted which interrupted the Queen once again. "I failed to protect my mother that time. I was just a 9-year-old boy with no ability. However... " He paused and coldly gazed at the Queen. "Things are different now. I will never lose my family again, especially to someone like you."

Arin turned his back at the Queen but the latter couldn't be still.

"Arin Helev! You will pay for this! I won't take your insolent behaviour anymore!"

When the Crown Prince suddenly halted, Queen Lorey fell silent. Then Arin turned around. "Don't call my name again. You're not allowed to do that as you're not my mother."

He quickly turned his back at her again and left the royal garden, leaving the Queen behind with bitterness.....