Treachery

Alden continued, his tone serious. "The Queen then ordered that if your mother were to marry into the Easvil family, she would lose her royal lineage. She and any descendants would no longer be able to hold any royal title. That's why we've never spoken about your royal lineage, Julian."

Julian's eyes widened in shock. "So that's why it was kept a secret... all this time?"

"Exactly," Alden replied, his voice steady. "We wanted to protect you from the Queen's wrath and the complications that come with such a title."

Alden nodded solemnly. "And that's the reason she hates us. She felt betrayed not once, but twice, first by your grandfather for choosing your grandmother over her, and then again when your mother chose to marry me and become part of the Easvil family. The Queen believes we've taken everything from her."

Julian clenched his fists, a mix of anger and sadness swirling within him. "But it's not fair!"