99: Follow the Darkness- Part 3

The princess clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the hilt of the sword at her waist. 

Carol had struck a nerve, but what made it worse was the truth in her words. 

The nobles were growing restless, and Evelyn knew that if she didn't act soon, their displeasure could become a greater problem.

But then Carol leaned in slightly, lowering her voice to a whisper only Evelyn could hear.

"Besides, what imperial family? You and I both know your title is just for show. There is no 'current imperial family' anymore. You hold no real power." 

She mused. 

That was it.

Evelyn knew the truth of her words. 

The empire was in shambles, held together only by the illusion of stability. Her title as princess meant nothing if she couldn't prove herself capable of ruling

But to hear it spoken so bluntly, to have it thrown in her face by a temple envoy no less, made her blood boil.