The Emperor was already past fifty.
And Anna, his eldest daughter, was only in her early twenties.
It was a noticeable gap—unusual, even, for someone in his position. But I hadn't thought much of it before. I'd simply assumed she'd been born late.
But now…
An older brother?
And worse—an illegitimate one?
My thoughts stalled for a moment as the weight of that revelation sank in.
"You scoundrel!"
Signut's voice exploded through the room, sharp with fury. His face was flushed red, veins bulging at his temple as he stepped forward, hand already hovering near the hilt of his sword.
"How dare you spout such nonsense! Do you have a death wish?!"
The tension spiked instantly. It felt like the slightest spark would set everything ablaze.
But before he could draw his weapon, Anna raised her hand.
"Stand down, Sir Signut."
Her voice wasn't loud—but it didn't need to be.
