Hiding My Twin Heirs from the Ruthless Prince novel Chapter 13

A thunderous roar of rage erupted through the marble corridors of the royal palace, causing several courtiers to flinch and halt mid-step.

It was Prince Sebastian, his fury echoing off the vaulted ceilings like the wrath of ancient gods. He stood in the throne room, fists clenched at his sides, his piercing blue eyes blazing with unrestrained fury.

“She what?” he growled, his voice deadly as he glared at the royal messenger who had dared to deliver such news.

“Princess Evangeline has departed for the Court of Astoria, Your Highness,” the messenger repeated, his voice trembling despite his best efforts to maintain composure. “Duke Alexandro announced last evening that she has gone to meet with several potential suitors, including Prince Maximilian of Astoria.”

Sebastian’s fist connected with the stone pillar beside him, the impact sending a spider web of cracks through the ancient marble.

“That conniving bastard,” he hissed, beginning to pace the length of the throne room like a caged wolf.

His chest heaved as he struggled to process the information. Duke Alexandro had orchestrated this—he had sent Evangeline away to find a new husband, effectively placing her beyond Sebastian’s reach.

Sir Marcus, Sebastian’s most trusted knight and closest advisor, leaned against the ornate doorframe, observing the scene with careful eyes.

His prince’s temper had been a powder keg since the day Sebastian had banished Lady Cordelia from court. Now, with the revelation that Evangeline and his sons were being presented to foreign nobility, that powder keg had finally exploded.

He crossed his arms, watching Sebastian’s pacing but saying nothing. There was no reasoning with the Crown Prince when he was in such a state.

“I am going to Duke Alexandro’s castle,” Sebastian snarled, running both hands through his dark hair. “I will demand answers from him, and I will bring Evangeline home. He does not have the right to arrange marriages for the mother of my children.”

Sir Marcus finally spoke, his tone measured and diplomatic. “Your Highness, you have just banished your former mistress in a very public manner, and now you wish to storm into a foreign duchy uninvited? Do you comprehend how this might be perceived by the other kingdoms?”

Sebastian whirled on his knight, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Perceived? You think I care about political perceptions when some foreign prince is courting my wife and attempting to claim my sons as his own heirs?”

“Former wife,” Sir Marcus corrected gently. “You signed the annulment papers yourself, Your Highness. Legally, Princess Evangeline is free to marry whomever she chooses.”

“The devil with legalities!” Sebastian roared. “Those boys carry my blood, my royal lineage. They are the rightful heirs to this throne, not some foreign noble’s adopted stepchildren!”

Sir Marcus sighed but did not argue further. He recognized that his prince’s mind was already made up, and nothing short of physical restraint would prevent him from his chosen course of action. “At least consider bringing a full diplomatic escort,” he murmured. “Try not to provoke an international incident.”

Sebastian ignored the advice, grabbing his traveling cloak and storming toward the palace doors.

His mind was a tempest of anger, jealousy, and desperate determination. Protocol and diplomatic courtesy could burn in hell—he needed to see Evangeline and make her understand that no foreign prince could replace what they had shared.

“You gave up any claim to that family when you signed the annulment papers,” Duke Alexandro replied with icy finality. “Evangeline owes you nothing.”

Sebastian turned on his heel and stalked from the great hall, his knights falling into step behind him. As they mounted their horses in the courtyard, Sir Marcus approached his prince with obvious concern.

“Your Highness, what are your intentions?”

Sebastian’s jaw was set in granite determination as he gathered his reins. “We ride for Astoria immediately. I will not return to Valdris without my wife and sons.”

“The Court of Astoria is a week’s hard ride from here,” Sir Marcus warned. “And Prince Maximilian is known to be a formidable opponent. If you challenge him publicly—”

“Then I challenge him,” Sebastian cut him off. “I have lost five years with my children. I will not lose them to another man’s ambition.”