Chapter 58: The Lost Prince

Taya's POV

"You're as humble as you're kind, goddess Taya. I am deeply inspired by your actions," one of the servants in the room says.

"We are glad to know that you're as righteous as your father, goddess Taya. It gives us hope of a better future," another adds, bowing their head in respect.

Emperor Namon smiles proudly. "If you had informed me of this earlier your friend wout have been rewarded for his help in saving your life. I am happy that the misunderstanding is cleared nevertheless," he says. "Your personality is quite rare, Ta-"

"I am so sorry! Forgive me, I did not know about these things!" Princess Rana screams.

She steps forward and falls to her knees, facing me. "I was mistaken, goddess Taya! I had no idea that your life was as difficult as mine. That you too have suffered almost as much as I have. I will make up for my wrongful actions. I will be your servant for weeks if it is what you desire," she carries on to say.

She is really good at claiming victim hood even after her false accusations have been exposed. She needs people to believe that she has suffered greatly despite being a royal and I might consider making her my servants as a form of revenge.

"I would appreciate it more if you quit the pretense. And mind your own business," I reply.

She gasps in a fake show of shock. "How can I be wrong for apologizing to you? I was worried about the fate of this Empire!" she defends.

I ignore her and walk past her to get to the grand staircase. Emperor Namon takes a hold of my hand and pulls me to him, wrapping his hands around my waist.

"We had a deal, remember? The dinner is ready, and there is someone I need you to meet," he says.

Another woman with impeccable skills that his empire cannot lose? I wouldn't be surprised. I do not want to meet her. But I made a promise and must keep it for the sake of human slaves.

He suddenly picks me up onto his arms and carries me up the stairs, then down the hallway that leads to the opulent dining chambers.

The man seated at the table is the first thing I notice before all the golden chalices and plates that makes the table shine.

Prince Kylerk!

It cannot be him, because he died years ago. I know his appearance well because he used to visit Howlland pack often while I was Princess Viyara's servant. She made great efforts to look good every time he visited as he was the most famous and strongest white wolf across all lands.

He gave her the attention she desired. As a result, she was no longer innocent when she married Emperor Namon. Not that Emperor Namon minded though.

Prince Kylerk was never seen again since his last visit to Howlland pack. He returned to his father's pack after being informed that a war had broken out and they were at the verge of defeat. His father's pack was conquered, people were enslaved and the entire royal family was assumed to have been killed, Prince Kylerk included.

So why is he sitting here now? It is definitely not him. It's Harom who has taken another person's acceptable appearance to make another attempt at fooling me.

He rises with a wide smile after we have entered the room. Should I run? What are his vile plans now?

"You remember Prince Kylerk? He told me that he used to visit Howlland pack a lot while you were Viyara's servant. Everyone had assumed that he was dead but he walked through the gates of my palace several hours ago," Emperor Namon tells.

Prince Kylerk extends his hand for a greeting. His smile is wide.

"It is an honor to meet you again, goddess Taya. I never forgot your face since the last time I was in Howlland pack. You have grown even more beautiful since," he praises.

I do not move my hand to shake his. He looks up at my face with confusion in his eyes.

"Taya, why are you being mean to someone who has suffered so much?" Emperor Namon questions in a worried voice.

"You believe that a person who has been dead for three years just walked into your palace?" I scoff.

"Who else can it be?"

"Harom. He has the power to take anyone's appearance," I answer.

The room falls silent as they all stare at me with shock.

"What is she talking about?" Prince Kylerk asks.

"Who told you this?" Emperor Namon questions, ignoring his guest's question. "This is a really bad time to be making troubling assumptions, Taya."

When did he start caring about suffering people so much? Why doesn't he ever care about the slaves?

If this is really Prince Kylerk, I do not think he has another place to go apart from this palace. So he will not be leaving because of my doubts. Besides, he was never a good person.

"I do not wish to ruin your dinner with Prince Kylerk. I am only pointing out the fact that he is not who he claims to be," I point in a calmer voice.

"What proof do you have for such a horrible accusation?" Emperor Namon asks.

I do not have any proof unfortunately.

"Harom had stolen Castas's appearance yesterday. He tried to convince me to kill Princess Rana so that you wouldn't make her your Empress. His aim was to make me fail the test," I tell.

A look of worry takes over Emperor Namon's face. "Why didn't you tell me about that?"

"I did not see the necessity of doing so until now that you have a guest who cannot be the Prince he claims to be," I answer.

"I am the real Prince Kylerk, M'lady. Everyone assumed that I died because I disappeared for many years after the war. I felt ashamed of the fact that I couldn't even save my family despite being a white wolf. Everyone expected me to do the impossible and I felt like a failure. The friend who helped me escape and hide me in their house finally convinced me to come here and seek Emperor Namon's help," Prince Kylerk defends.

I sigh in annoyance. Only a fool would believe such. He chose now of all times to come out of hiding?

"Your lies are pathetic. I was wrong to think that you had wits, not just a vile empty heart," I respond.

He pretends to be hurt by my words. He sinks back onto his seat and buries his face in his palms.

"Harom can only copy a person's outer appearance, he cannot become the person," Feya's voice comes from behind.

I look back to see her walking into the room.

"If you want to confirm that it's the Prince, order him to shift into his wolf," she suggests.

The Prince uncovers his face. He appears anxious.