Jonah's gaze remained calm, devoid of both sorrow and joy. That unsettling stillness sent a chill down Anthony's spine.
"Winston is the only father we acknowledge," Jonah said evenly. "The only parent we recognize is the one who raised us. As for blood ties... they mean nothing to us."
His three brothers nodded firmly in agreement.
"Jonah..."
Winston's eyes brimmed with tears.
"I know that I wronged your mother, and I have no right to stand before you," Anthony said, lowering his gaze. Every word was measured, carrying a faint but unmistakable pressure. "But that doesn't change the fact that my blood runs in your veins.
"Right now, the Kontina royal family has no successor. We've fallen into unprecedented turmoil. As king, I cannot stand by and watch our power stripped away and everything collapse.
"So, one of you must come back with me and inherit the throne. This is your fate, and none of you can escape it. If you all refuse, the truth will eventually come to light, and it will bring disaster upon you.
"You may even become targets of the far-right extremists in Kontina."
Jonah frowned slightly, deep in thought.
"Forgive me. I don't expect your understanding," Anthony continued, his voice heavy. "But I must do whatever it takes to protect the royal family and fulfill my duty."
He met Jonah's eyes again, his tone turning resolute. "This is the only path left. And don't you want to uncover the truth of what happened to your mother?
"The answers lie within the royal family. Only by getting close will you be able to uncover them."
"Alright. I'll go." Liam stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "Don't force Jonah and the others into a corner. No one wants to be separated from their loved ones. I'll accept
it."
"No, Liam." Jonah's voice was firm. "You can't go. If you do, you and Princess Yuliana will only be able to live as siblings for the rest of your lives. You'll never be together openly."
He took a deep breath. When he looked up again, his eyes were filled with resolve. "I'll go."
A satisfied smile spread across Anthony's lips. Jonah, his eldest son, had always been his first choice, the most suitable heir.
"Jonah!" Everyone cried out in shock.
Alyssa rushed forward and hugged him tightly. "Jonah, w-what about Julien? What will he do if you go to Kontina?"
"I have one condition." Jonah
wrapped an arm around Alyssa's shoulders and looked straight at Anthony should know the
am in a relationship with a man. Hể is the only one I'll ever be with, and I'll never consider anyone else, nor will I pretend to be with a woman."
Anthony's heart sank. "But you must have a queen to inherit the throne..."
"This is my only condition. My partner comes with me," Jonah said calmly. "If you agree, I'll leave for Kontina after I've recovered. If not, you can leave now."
...
Anthony and his entourage left Heightsnew Villa late that night. The chaos faded into silence, as though he had never been there at all.
In the cellar, Jonah poured Alyssa a glass of red wine. He smiled gently, as if it were just another night-like the times they used to sneak sample Winston's prized collection. Only this time, the air felt unbearably heavy.
FindNovel.net
"I knew from the start I'd be his first choice," Jonah said lightly. "And honestly, I am the most suitable candidate."
Still smiling, he pinched Alyssa's downcast cheek. "Don't be sad. Kontina isn't far- just a few hours by plane.
"Besides, I'm not going there alone. Julien will be with me, and we'll make a life there. I'll also get to see Miley and Jeremy often. So... I'm at peace with it."
"Jonah, what really convinced you was the truth about Mom, wasn't it?" Alyssa asked, her eyes reddening. "You intend to seek justice for Mom, to clear her name of treason and exonerate her. Am I right?"
"Yeah. I want justice for Mom. Only then can she truly rest in peace. If we don't get close to the royal family, we'll never uncover the truth. And the only way to do that is to become more powerful."
Hearing this, Alyssa felt some of the weight in her chest ease.
"Besides, things will only get better for Yuliana if I go," Jonah added with a faint smile. "Then she and Liam can finally be together. He's right. This really is the best choice."
"Jonah, do you hate him?" Alyssa asked tentatively.
"Not really," Jonah replied after a pause. "I know Mom's death wasn't directly caused by him. And I can tell she still held a place in his heart."
His eyes darkened, unreadable. He continued coldly, "But I'll never accept him. To
me, he's nothing more than a collaborator. Whatever I show him will just be an act. I'll never see him as my father."
Alyssa nodded slowly, her throat tightening. "Will you come back?"
"Of course."
Jonah ruffled her hair, half playful, half solemn. This is just a
temporary parting, so we can meet again under better skies, my
princess. Take good care of pine
Just think of it as me going abroad. for a long holiday. And don't cry. Don't worry about me."