Inside the study of Earl Campbell's estate, Evelyn stared at her father in stunned silence. The words he had just spoken echoed in her mind, too unbelievable to grasp.
"Father… did you just say that Prince Werner chose me as his royal consort?"
Herbert's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Indeed. Even I was surprised that His Highness took a liking to you." He stepped closer, intending to pat her shoulder—a simple fatherly gesture—but hesitated, his hand hovering awkwardly before dropping back to his side. The distance between them, as always, was insurmountable.
Turning away, he clasped his hands behind his back. "Truthfully, I've invested considerable effort into securing your position as crown princess. In many ways, this is the best path I could have chosen for you."
Evelyn's confusion deepened, but she remained silent, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirt.
Herbert frowned at her lack of response. "Evelyn, you must understand—your mother was a criminal. And you, the daughter of a traitor, should have faced execution alongside her. It was I who defied the court, wielding the Campbell name to shield you."
As always, the weight of his words pressed down on her. Evelyn bowed her head, shame burning in her chest.
She remembered little of her mother—neither her face nor the crimes she had committed. But from the moment she could comprehend words, the words from everybody she knows had been hammered into her---her mother was a disgrace to the Masonic nation, executed for treason. And Evelyn, the daughter who should have shared her fate, had only been spared by her father's mercy.
For years, Evelyn had endured being treated as little more than a ghost in her own home—ignored, taunted, and reminded of the bloodstained legacy she carried. Yet she never dared to show defiance. Instead, she smothered every flicker of resentment, forcing herself into gratitude.
At least I'm alive. At least I have a place here.
When Herbert turned back and saw her bowed head, he hesitated. Then, with visible effort, he pushed past his discomfort and placed a stiff hand on her shoulder—a hollow mimicry of paternal warmth.
"Don't look so downtrodden, Evelyn." His voice was gruff, but the rare touch made her breath catch. "Consider this your chance to repay the Campbell family."
Her head snapped up, eyes alight with something dangerously close to hope. He said 'Campbell.' For the first time in her life, her father had tied her existence to that name—his name. Not just the traitor's sin daughter.
Herbert's lips twitched into a smile, pleased by her reaction. The sight of her eager obedience softened him, just enough to feign affection.
"Remember," he continued, voice low and deliberate. "Once you marry Prince Werner, every move you make will reflect on this family. Honor us, and we will honor you." His grip tightened slightly. "The Von dynasty's court is a den of wolves. You'll need the Campbells behind you if you mean to survive."
A pause, then the unspoken bargain:
"Strengthen this family, and no one—no one—will dare challenge your place."
Evelyn met her father's rare, loving smile with widening eyes—then slowly, her gaze hardened into resolve. This is all I've ever wanted. She clasped her hands tightly in front of her.
"Father, I'll obey you without question." She vowed, voice steady. "Every action I take will honor the Campbell name."
Herbert's approving nod sent a warm rush through her chest.