Chapter 329: Stamp of illegitimacy

Both Sylvian and Iliana turned toward the sound of approaching footsteps. August had just returned and was now walking toward them.

Iliana immediately lowered her gaze out of respect, while Sylvian stepped forward, his expression becoming slightly guarded.

"August, be mindful of your tone."

"I haven’t even started yet." August’s eyes shifted toward Iliana before returning to his brother. "But I suppose I should give my sister-in-law a little reality check. Your mother used to do the same to me, Sylvian. How could you possibly forget that?"

He continued toward them without the slightest hesitation, making no attempt to soften his words.

Then, turning his attention to Iliana, he offered a small, almost formal nod. "Forgive me for not introducing myself properly this morning, Lady Iliana. I am August Van Kingsley, the famous illegitimate prince of the kingdom and Sylvian’s half-brother. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Iliana’s fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. She lowered herself into a gentle bow.

"Please accept my humble greetings, Your Highness."

She straightened, but her eyes remained lowered. She still felt uneasy standing before a prince, especially one who had introduced himself so bluntly.

August glanced at her before looking back at Sylvian. "Your mother always took great pride in reminding everyone of my status, and now you intend to marry a commoner. Don’t you think that will be rather odd?"

Sylvian’s jaw tightened.

August, however, continued before he could answer. "Will the palace accept her? What happens if they refuse to recognize your marriage? And what if they force you to take an official wife who comes from a noble family because they expect you to produce heirs through a woman of noble blood?"

His words fell heavily into the corridor.

Iliana’s face lost some of its color. She had considered the difficulties of becoming Sylvian’s wife, but hearing them spoken so plainly made her realize just how complicated their future could be.

"August, shut your mouth. You have no right to say such things to—"

Sylvian couldn’t finish. August stepped closer and cut him off.

"You should shut up and listen to me, your older half-brother." His voice carried a warning, but there was no trace of hesitation in his eyes.

He then turned toward Iliana, who stood stiffly beside Sylvian.

"Whatever dreams my brother has shown you, throw them out of your mind. Sylvian cannot stand against the court and the palace when they decide to oppose him. If you believe he can simply choose you and everything will fall into place, you are mistaken. He will only ruin your life."

Iliana’s fingers curled nervously against her dress.

"My mother was of low birth, and look at who I am today." August gave a bitter laugh. "A man forced to carry the stamp of illegitimacy on his forehead for the rest of his life. Your children have to carry the same fate and you’ll be neglected by the same Prince you love today when his official wife will enter."

Sylvian’s expression darkened.

August continued, seemingly determined to make Iliana understand. "My advice to you is simple. Think thoroughly before accepting Sylvian’s marriage proposal. Once you step into the palace, you may not be able to walk away from its rules and expectations as easily as you think."

"That’s enough."

Sylvian’s voice was low, but the anger behind it was evident.

Before August could say another word, Sylvian swung his fist toward him.

August reacted instantly, catching his brother’s fist before it could strike his face. The force of the blow made him take a step back, but he quickly twisted Sylvian’s arm aside.

"You want to fight me?" August asked through clenched teeth.

Sylvian pulled his arm free and lunged at him again.

The two princes collided, and within moments, their argument turned into a full-blown fight. Their movements startled the guards and servants nearby, who immediately rushed toward them.

"Your Highnesses!"

"Stop! Please, stop!"

Several guards moved between the brothers, trying to separate them before either could land another blow. Sylvian struggled against their hold, his eyes still fixed angrily on August, while August was equally unwilling to back down.

Sylvian managed to land a punch against August’s face before the guards could fully separate them.

"Let me go!" Sylvian shouted, struggling against the guards holding him back.

Iliana stared at him in shock. She had never seen this side of Sylvian before. He had always seemed gentle and composed, rarely allowing anger to take control of him. Seeing him lose his temper so completely left her momentarily speechless.

August wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and looked at the faint smear of blood on his fingers. A bitter smile appeared on his face.

"Why?" he asked, looking directly at Sylvian. "Did it hurt when I showed you a glimpse of your future?"

Sylvian glared at him.

"You all did the same to me," August continued, his voice growing louder. "Every single day. You judged me, reminded me of my birth, and made sure I never forgot that I was different from the rest of you."

His eyes hardened as years of resentment surfaced.

"Who knows? Perhaps fate will repeat itself with you. Maybe then, and only then, you’ll finally understand the pain I have carried all these years."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances.

"Release me," August ordered sharply.

The guards immediately stepped back, though they remained alert in case the brothers resumed their fight.

August straightened his clothes and gave Sylvian one last, knowing smirk.

Then, without saying another word, he turned around and walked away, leaving Sylvian standing there with his fists still clenched and Iliana silently watching him.

Sylvian took a slow breath, trying to steady himself after the confrontation. He then turned back toward Iliana, his expression softening the moment their eyes met.

Without saying anything at first, he reached for her hand and gently held it.

"Come with me," he whispered.

Iliana quietly followed as Sylvian led her down the corridor toward his room.

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