The palace was in absolute chaos the moment Daniel and Raine stepped through the grand entrance. News of the broken engagement had spread like wildfire, and the usually dignified halls buzzed with raised voices, hurried footsteps, and the distant click of cameras from journalists who had somehow managed to get inside the outer courtyards. Servants whispered in clusters, advisors rushed between rooms with documents clutched tightly, and the air felt thick with tension. It was as if the entire royal household had turned into a war room overnight.

The throne room itself was the heart of the storm. Nobles, ministers, and members of the king’s inner circle had gathered in...