The day of Orion's birthday finally arrived. The Vethelan palace was lit up and decorated luxuriously, portraying the full wealth of the country for the sake of their most precious prince. Even the thousands of servants and knights were provided special outfits to wear for the occasion, of which they all adorned with pride. At the same time, nobles and foreign officials attended in order to wish the boy a happy coming-of-age. Everyone tried to ignore the impending war, if only because they fervently wished to avoid it.

Orion had been preparing himself the entire day, trying to look as presentable as possible. After all, today was supposed to be the day that (Y/n) returned from her seclusion. So, obviously, with hopes of impressing her and swaying her to be with him, he did all he could. His great uncle and mother took the responsibility of welcoming the guests while he bided his time. Every now and again, he would glance down at the ballroom floor to see if the younger girl had arrived. He wanted to make a grand entrance to impress her all the more.

When he noticed Haru came, he figured she wouldn't have been far behind. And, thankfully, his assumption was correct. She came in a bit later. The orange-haired male stared at her when she arrived. There wasn't a moment where he didn't think she was pretty, but...Well, he just couldn't stop staring, his cheeks bright red. Even Presley commented on it, prompting him to feel embarrassed. However, he straightened his posture and did one more touch-up to make sure he was ready before he appeared

"Introducing his royal highness, firstborn of Princess Verona, fourth grandson of the previous Queen, only child of Sir Cadmus de Oshaka and the rightful heir to the throne of Vethela: Orion Trewin."

As expected, people burst into applause to welcome him, allowing him to walk down the stairs and make his entrance. He felt very excited at all the attention but he focused on the goal at hand, making a beeline straight to the (h/c) haired girl. She seemed unsurprised, giving him a gentle but somber smile. What did surprise her, however, is that he chose to hug her, leaning into her and giving a sigh. He had so missed being able to touch her, and, luckily, she indulged him, petting his head affectionately.

"Happy birthday," she mumbled, met with a bright smile from him.

"It's a very happy birthday now that you're here! O-Oh, but I should have started with how pretty you are! I'm so honored you dressed up for me. You look better in this dress than that green one. Where did you find this one? I want to go with you next time!"

"Well, your mother recommended - "

"Ah, was it Lillia's? That's her favorite! I just knew it was! Mrs. Lillia always makes the prettiest princess dresses! But...you know what would look better with your dress...?"

The prince motioned for Presley, the knight stepping forward with a present in his hands. Though the (h/c) haired girl stared at it warily, she nonetheless accepted it, silently pulling the ribbon apart to open the box. Her eyes settled on the silvery-pink accessory, a moment or two passing of pure bewilderment. But, in the end, she merely asked for help putting on the necklace. Orion was happy to help, complimenting her over and over again for how well it suited her. Though, of course, he had spent quite some time picking out something he thought would help her look ethereal.

"Then...would you mind if I asked to dance with you?" the male shyly muttered, glancing up bashfully, fearing rejection.

"I'm not...a dancer, I'm afraid."

"No? Maybe," A pause as he moved a bit closer to take her hands, "I could teach you."

It wasn't that the older girl didn't know how to dance. She just didn't like to. But her heart fluttered at his cute attempts to woo her. Usually, she would be unphased, but she wasn't lying when she told him she had feelings for him, even if those feelings were split between him and Haru. As a result, she had no choice but to give in to the dance, elating the male beyond words. He handed the box back to Presley before taking her to the middle of the ballroom, doing his best to show her how graceful he could be.

In the meantime, Bastien froze. He had gripped his brother's hand, refusing to let go, and stared at the two dancing with great confliction in his heart. The brunette didn't understand why (Y/n) wasn't with them. In fact, he felt greatly betrayed that she wasn't with them, turning to his brother for an explanation. But, when he saw the look on his brother's face, Bastien knew better than to question him about what was happening. He also knew Enmei wouldn't know anything. The grey-haired male was being swarmed anyway.

Instead, he glanced over at his father. The man had barely managed to drag himself to the party, having wallowed in despair over the love of his life. But, in the process, he had become withdrawn. People had tried to go talk to him in order to form connections, but, no matter who came or what they said, he just glanced off in the distance over the balcony. It took all he had not to burst into tears at any given time, after all.

Bastien took a good glance at the path he was going to take to his father. Fully prepared to run to him, he took a shaky step forward, feeling great fear. However, it was when he released his brother's hand to run did he feel a sudden terror plaguing him. Immediately, he latched back onto the older male, tearing up at the painfully beating heart and his now suddenly aching body. But, somehow, it pained him more when he looked back at the woman who saved him with someone other than his brother. So he ran.

The little brunette shut his eyes while he ran, hoping with all of his tiny heart that, if he saw no one, no one would see him. It was very lucky that he managed to get to his father before anyone tried talking to him. Bastien latched onto his father's leg, trembling so much that the man finally registered him. Painfully, he glanced down at his youngest, picking him up and nuzzling the little reminder of his wife. He then felt on the brink of tears to see the usually self-confident boy shaking because of his recently emerging fear of others.

"I-I'm okay," he asserted, trying to relieve his father's fears before his own, "I'm only cold."

The man didn't believe him for a moment. He knew his baby well. But, nonetheless, he removed his coat to warm the boy up, making reassuring comments to him. Truth be told, though he had made the comments for his child in the first place, he was uncertain who they helped more. But it was just as well. Both of them felt just a bit better, the toddler working up the determination to ask what he was so concerned about.

"Père," he paused. "I thought...(Y/n) was my sister. But she's not with Haru."

Kazuya sighed, wondering what the boy was talking about. He glanced up to see where he was pointing, finding the girl dancing with the prince. The look on her face conflicted him greatly, but, for Bastien's sake, he hid that emotion. The man knew she had gotten closer with the prince, that they were far more alike than she was with Haru. And though he felt let down at the development for the brunette's sake, the girl was every bit his child. After everything she'd been through, he hoped for her happiness. It just hurt that there was a possibility Haru was not that happiness.

"I don't like him," the toddler sniffled, "He keeps taking her away and he won't let me or frère near her. I want to go home."

"We will. Tomorrow, okay?"

"With sis?"

"That's up to her. She might come home with us. Or she might stay here. But I doubt she would leave you by yourself. She loves you."

"I don't wanna go home without her...it's not home without sis."

The man wanted to promise that she would return and things would go back to normal. But Eloise would never come back, so "normal" would never come back. Still, he also had to admit it no longer seemed like home without the (h/c) haired girl. The man cherished her deeply, enough to consider her his daughter no matter who she chose to be with. As a result, the thought of the house without her was heartbreaking.

Orion had the best time dancing with (Y/n). It was a romantic evening, one that seemed like it was just for them. Never before had his birthday been so pleasant. He could walk, he could dance, and he could even stay out of bed without keeling over in agony. In fact, he felt so fulfilled that he found a great generosity within himself, letting the girl dance with Haru for a bit. Of course, jealousy festered within him, but he played the nice boy, if only to win her affections once and for all.

The night progressed congratulating the male, a dinner being hosted for him with hundreds in attendance while, all across the world, people celebrated his birthday. He was given presents of all kinds and words of kindness, and, all through it, the older girl stayed very close to him. And, before he knew it, it was time for him to receive his coming-of-age crown, the orange-haired male lighting up when his parents were announced.

As expected, everyone turned their eyes to them, the procession a thing of great opulence. Verona, as always, was elegant, every step of hers one of royal grace and dignity that complimented her simple yet stunning gown. And, of course, Cadmus showed great poise and stoicness, the man's ornamental attire showcasing his divine aura. But with the two of them together, Orion felt his life was finally complete. He had just as normal of a family as everyone else, albeit one of more importance. His mother spoke first.

"We're gathered here to celebrate the coming of age of Orion Trewin, our crown prince. Though he has always been a sickly child, I think I speak for everyone when I say how relieved I am to see him finally healthy and happy."

The princess went on to talk about the male's life and how far he had come, and everyone paid fervent attention to everything. Orion, too, was immersed in what his mother had to say about him, not disappointed in the slightest. It filled his heart with so much joy to hear her praise him and tell everyone of her adoration for her only child. And though his father's speech was much shorter and to the point, it made his heart race, too. The man even had to hold back tears when speaking.

When they finished their speeches, the boy proudly made his way to the overlooking balcony. He waved happily to his subjects, kneeling down while his father, acting as the Oracle, began to lower the male's crown on his head. The man welcomed the boy as the crown prince of Vethela, reciting the traditional coming of age speech. And, as Orion stood up, everyone began clapping, praising him and congratulating him.

As was custom, a glass of Vethelan wine was handed out to everyone as Orion's closest friends and family made their own remarks. All the while, he sat next to (Y/n), interlocking his arm with hers and beaming. It felt so good to have all the attention on him. He felt as if he was finally getting everything he deserved. But, like always, something had to come along to shatter his hopes and dreams, taking a form in his beloved uncle.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Satoru announced, taking a bow to announce himself, "I, like all of you, am filled with joy for my nephew's recovery. And I'm sure people all over the world are watching this party live, sending you lots of love, Orion. I, too, cannot emphasize how proud I am of him making it through 18 years," A pause followed as the man took a deep breath. "18 years. You know, I have been waiting for this day for even longer. That might sound strange, I'm sure. But today is the day I finally get to tell the truth."

Orion gave a confused look, trying to piece together what the man was trying to say. Most others in attendance did the same, glancing around the room uncomfortably. It became all the more tense when Princess Meridian dropped her glass. She glared at her former husband in absolute ire, warning him to try anything, but he just directed a similar glare at her. Even when the woman attempted storming up to him, the guards stopped her, crossing their swords. Before she even had time to yell at them, her sister placed her hand on her shoulder.

"It's time," the older of the two mumbled somberly, forcing herself to smile.

Her sister looked completely bewildered, pointing at the dirty-blonde-haired man in horror. She began attempting to signal to her that he would spill their secret, but Verona already knew well. In fact, as Cadmus joined Satoru up on the balcony, she could only feel a kind of satisfaction. Realizing it was useless trying to convince her sister to stop him, she ran over to Mica, the man listening to her every word. Still, Verona continued to stop them from getting anywhere near the consorts.

"I was given the honor of being the prince consort to the second princess of Vethela," the man huffed, "But, in truth, I was forced. Meridian came to me demanding I marry her. When I refused, suddenly, my company was blacklisted from Vethela and all their allies - of which, I'm sure you know encompasses the vast majority of the world. I thought I could work through it - that, since I'd had the strength to start my success, I could climb out. And then riots ensued, targeting my friends, my employees, my customers, and, finally, myself. Fifty of my employees were killed in the process and I was beaten and stabbed to the point of needing emergency care."

Papers were distributed across the ballroom, packets of evidence and receipts of the events he described, and more, too. Satoru had not come with words alone. He had been preparing for years. The man narrowed his eyes as he paused to watch Meridian peruse the files. She, impulsively, tried to shred the packet, but it was far too thick. She became livid over that fact, pulling the papers apart at the staples and throwing them to the ground. How pathetically just it was; that she could not destroy the countless years of wrongdoings and abuse done to him because of their girth.

"Meridian came to me. She said - "

Suddenly, a voice filled the ballroom, the recording of Meridian shocking everyone, including her. She probably thought her words would never be heard by anyone else. But there it was, the woman spilling threat after threat to the barely mobile man in the emergency ward of the hospital. Sounds could be heard of her even slapping him along with the sounds of objects falling threateningly to the floor. In the end, Satoru was heard sobbing, begging her to stop, agreeing to her demands.

"After I agreed, she forced me to sign a marriage contract that specified countless things. You can find that contract on page 27. Among the demands that I would live according to her standards, allowing her to dictate my every facial expression, movement, outfit, and public appearance, was a non-disclosure agreement. I'm sure you never wanted me to tell anybody, Meridian. And I'm sure you'll try to have me killed for this. But Orion is 18 years old now. You are no longer under the protection of your mother because he has come of age now and has all the power that comes along with it."

Meridian trembled, knowing this was true. She was even more removed from the right to the throne now that Orion was of age to rule. And since the prince had never liked her, he would have no inclination to save her. In fact, he loved Satoru dearly. There was no doubt that he would absolve him of breaking the non-disclosure agreement let alone with the evidence provided of its forced nature.

"I'm sure some of you will still side with your beloved princess. After all, I'm nothing compared to her. I'm a commoner; a foreigner; an ex-consort. But I think you'll all be sympathetic to your princes," A pause as the man collected himself, biting back tears. "I don't think Meridian was satisfied with our marriage contract. She thought I would fight her whenever I could. And I did. Our contract specified I would submit myself to 'the creation of an heir' whenever she so desired. What I didn't know is that she would tie me down and shove a gag down my throat while she..."

Satoru paused, zoning out despite his motivation for his speech. He didn't want to think back to those days, terrified at the memories alone, let alone the remaining scars littered all over his body. He glanced over to Cadmus, too, knowing he'd experienced the same. Taking in a deep breath, he saw to recompose himself, staring down at Meridian for more motivation. She kept trying to fight the guards to get to him and silence him permanently, of which frightened him greatly, almost enough to stop. But Verona gave him a reassuring smile. He found it insulting, having hated the woman almost as much as Meridian. So, it was strange to him that, despite the fact she was doing the bare minimum to atone, he felt supported. Maybe it was because he wasn't Cadmus.

"Well, I could go on and on about the abuse. The point is, when she found out she was pregnant with our first-born, she decided to draw up another contract for me. Of course, I was forced to sign this one, too. But, this time, it was not because of my own life. Meridian threatened to have the child killed if I didn't sign it. You may find this contract on page 40. This one forced me to give up any right I had to my child, including my right to see him whenever I wanted, to assist, in any way, in raising him, and even to take him away when his mother started abusing him."

Meridian winced, directing her gaze to the child the man was talking about. Kazuki stood motionless, staring at his father with a look of sympathy. The man returned the gaze, trying to apologize silently for now. In response, the prince gave a small smile. In some small way, he had always known about that contract. He would never say his father didn't love him. It always seemed strange to him that he would constantly find "misdelivered" letters and presents addressed to him when he needed them most. Now he knew why it had to be that way.

"Every day, she would hurt my child. She whipped him when his achievements fell flat compared to her expectations. She scolded him for his unlovable personality being the cause of his grandmother's apathy towards her. She even deprived him of food and water when he spoke without her permission. And it wasn't just Zuki. She made me sign a contract like that for each and every one of my children. And she abused them all."

This time, the man sent a regretful glance to his middle child. The blue-haired male was quick to cry, hugging his elder brother with the intense need for affection. Everyone had always picked on Ichiro. Though he had the silvery-blue hair that was unique to the royal family, his mother had always been jealous of him for it. She started out clinging to him, thinking he was his chance to finally earn the throne.

But, unlike Kazuki, Ichiro was beloved by his grandmother. The queen doted on him and spoiled him with her love and adoration, knowing he was a good child at heart. But she did not show affection to Meridian for it. On the contrary, she always tried to separate them. So, out of spite and jealousy, she abandoned her second born. She was responsible for making the bluenette the scorn of the nobles, prompting him to be relentlessly bullied and neglected. And it became all the more worse when the queen died and no one was there to protect him.

But now Ichiro knew. His father didn't abandon him like everyone else. The man loved him enough to even stand up to the Vethelan princess. And when Kazuki whispered all the things the man did for him, including being the one to arrange their flee to Athain, the bluenette felt so much relief. Someone finally loved him besides his elder brother. The relief was long-awaited, the male glancing up longingly at his father through tears and receiving a loving smile.

"She hurt Rei, too. Everyone knew he needed help. He needed treatment. I begged and begged her to let me take him to see professional help, but she refused. Meridian said he was perfect because of his issues. She said it made him more driven. And, because of the contract, she refused to let me do anything. In fact, she probably thought it was a mercy to me that she let me be around him. Because he listened to me and excelled at so many areas were the only reason she let me be near that child. But now my son is dead. I will never forgive you for that."

Rei was not there to hear his father's confession. But, if he had, he, too, would be overcome with emotion. Unlike his brothers, he had learned to hurt her before she hurt him, so she had never abused him the same way. Still, that didn't mean the woman was kind to him, very rarely showing him affection untied to his achievements. She also verbally abused him for his grandmother's hatred of him, the same as his elder brother.

But the blonde had always loved his father. The man treated him as he was, always there to have a conversation with him or take him out to their favorite restaurant to relax. Because his father had always protected him like that, if he had known what had happened, he would have protected him, too.

Verona took Orion's hand gently and climbed the stairs with him. She clapped her hands together, instructing everyone to do the same. Satoru stood in agony, tears streaming down his face for the years he had lost with his children and the life of his youngest that he failed to save. But he had finally done it. Now everyone knew what a monster the woman was. And now, she was finally going to get the punishment she deserved.

"Everything that Satoru says is true. The royal family has harmed you in a way that cannot be forgiven. Meridian Tula Trewin, your crimes are unforgivable. So, the rightful heir to the throne will bestow upon you your punishment," the woman declared, turning to the orange-haired male and speaking gently to him, "Right now, do not think of her as your aunt, Orion. View her as she is and do what you think is right. Please think of your uncle, who has suffered through worse than death because of her."

"Mother...I-I can't. This..."

"This is what the future king - consort or otherwise - must do."

Orion glanced back at his uncle, noting the stance he took. Though the man had always seemed so confident and secure in himself, he now held a closed-off posture and a look of horror. He even shook slightly, though it became evident he was trying to hide that reaction. His face was flushed, his eyes were fixated on the floor, and his breathing was erratic. He really was terrified of Meridian and all that she had done to him. Though, now, it seemed he was more terrified of her getting away with it.

But the orange-haired male thought of his cousins. He stared down at them in shock. How could he punish their mother? Though he knew she was always horrible to them, using them at every turn to accomplish her own ambitions, could they have truly wanted her dead? His cousins must have known what he was thinking, the two of them making their way up to him. Ichiro leapt into his father's arms first, crying his heart out, but Kazuki stood in front of the younger male, giving a soft look. The blonde then kneeled, bowing his head.

"Please do what is right, your majesty."

Everyone in the ballroom stared at the prince, waiting for the outcome of Meridian's crimes. And it wasn't just them. Across the world, people stared, making it all the more difficult for the male to make a decision. As he looked back at his cousins and his father, he found a kind of resolve in their pain. He couldn't let it slide. In fact, there was no kind of mercy he could find in his heart, especially when Meridian finally pushed past the guards, making her way straight to them.

"As the rightful heir to the throne of Vethela," the prince started, flinching just slightly as he stuttered out his next words, "For the crimes of coersion, forced marriage, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape, and the threat of killing a Vethelan prince...I strip you of your status as a princess and...sentence you to death."

Meridian didn't seem phased like everyone else was. On the contrary, she seemed more determined than ever, as if she thought she would get out of it somehow. She didn't register her nephew's words as fact. As such, she moved slowly up the stairs with a grin on her face. She took a good look at everyone there, taking extra time to observe her sister. Meridian was sure she was pleased. It was obvious she had helped, too. She scoffed before glancing at her firstborn, the male flinching under her gaze.

"Kazuki," she started, "You have always been a smart child. I've always said that."

"Don't talk to him," Satoru warned, moving his son out of her reach, "Accept your punishment. That is the very least you could do."

"You're much smarter than your cousin, you know. Poor Orion will be lost as king. But you can do so much better, Kazuki. So, please...do your best."

Before anyone could react to her sinister words, the woman pulled out a dagger from her dress. It was proof that she was planning on killing the orange-haired male all along. Orion stumbled back in fear, calling out for help. Presley, of course, moved defensively in front of him, but it was Satoru who disarmed her, nearly pushing her off the ledge in the process. The look in his eyes said he wanted to do it, too. It wouldn't matter. He could frame it to be an accident. She was going to die anyway. But, when his eldest put his hand on his shoulder, he moved away, letting Presley take charge of it.

"You're always trying to hurt my kids, aren't you, Meridian?" the blonde choked up, "I won't let you anymore."

The now ex-princess was taken away, escorted to the dungeon to be taken care of later. Satoru apologized to the orange-haired male. He really hadn't wanted to ruin his birthday with such a somber revelation, but he couldn't stand even another day of his children's abuse. And, with the countless amount of people watching, there wasn't a chance better than that to expose Meridian's abuse. With Rei gone, he didn't know when or which of his sons would be next. Of course, Orion understood, making the man give another bittersweet smile.

"Then, please put up with me one more time," he mumbled, holding onto Cadmus's hand and leading him forward, "Because it's his turn now."