C182 Cruel Decree

King Alastor’s face darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. When he finally spoke, his voice was laced with barely restrained fury. "And who," he demanded, "is this girl you claim to love? I have never once seen you in the company of any princess!"

The young man took a slow, deliberate step forward, his gaze steady, unshaken. "Forgive me, Your Highness," he said, "but she is no princess