476 THE SHADOW QUEEN

HARMING the Crown Prince was a grave sin punishable by death.

As the emperor, Nikolai felt the urge to stop the fight and punish Hanna for hurting his successor.

But as a father, he knew that Nero deserved it.

[Like Hanna said, she's the precious daughter of House Quinzel. I wouldn't like it if someone hurt Neoma, so I'm pretty sure Rufus and Amber wouldn't forgive anyone who hurt their daughter, too– even if it was the Crown Prince.]

Thus, his heart as a father overwhelmed his mind as the emperor.

"Are you crazy?!"

It was Nero, and his son's angry yell interrupted his thoughts.

"How dare you attack the Crown Prince?!" Nero growled at Hanna. "You're just the daughter of House Quinzel!"

"And you're the disgrace of the Royal Family," Hanna said in a calm yet clear voice, rendering Nero silent instantly. "How dare you look down on the daughter of House Quinzel when all you bring to the Royal Palace is an embarrassment?"