Shennong stood still, the pieces of the puzzle finally aligning in his mind. His gaze settled on Romina, and a faint, knowing smile crept onto his lips. "So… you are the princess," he murmured, the image of the king's face flashing in his memory. It all made sense now.
Romina flinched, her lips quivering. Tears welled in her eyes. "I… I didn't mean to lie."
Shennong stepped forward, voice gentle but firm. "Well, you didn't tell me the full story either."
Romina clenched her fists. "Because I was afraid! If anyone knew I survived—!"
Mandira exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. "This is more than problematic. She was supposed to be dead. Everyone believed she died in that fire at the royal mansion because of her...contract with a spirit."
"It wasn't a fire!" Romina snapped, her voice cracking. "It was an assassination! They made it look like an accident!"
Her voice echoed in the chamber. Everyone froze.
Mandira's brows furrowed. "What?"
