After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 171

He sighed softly and leaned back in his chair. "I never meant to hide my identity from you. It’s just… I’ve always been in the public eye as the head of a medical organization. That’s how people know me. My royal title has always been secondary."

I watched him closely, seeing the honesty in his expression. "I understand, Carlos," I said gently. "You don’t need to explain. I don’t blame you for anything."

He seemed relieved. "Thank you, Grace. That means a lot."

The evening passed quickly, and soon it was time to leave. Carlos insisted on walking me back to my residence.

The night was cool, and the stars above seemed brighter than usual. We walked in comfortable silence, the sound of our footsteps blending with the soft rustling of the trees.

As we reached the entrance to my quarters, a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was Chief Superintendent Marry. Her sharp eyes landed on me first, then flicked to Carlos. Her expression was cold, almost disapproving.

Carlos immediately straightened, his demeanor shifting to one of quiet authority. Marry studied him for a moment before addressing me, her voice clipped.

"I wasn’t aware we had company today, Princess." She didn’t even attempt a smile, and her words were sharp and judging.

"Chief Marry," I greeted, keeping my tone polite."Grace," she replied curtly. "You’re out late."

I stood tall, trying to appear calm. "I was invited to a tea party at the palace." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I see."

Carlos stepped forward, his tone steady but firm. "Chief Marry, I hope there are no issues with Grace being in my company."

Her gaze remained on him for a moment. Then, with a stiff nod, she said, "Of course not, Your Highness. Have a good night."

She walked away to call some maids to take Cyrus in, without another word, her posture rigid.

Carlos turned to me, his expression softening as if he had already sensed her displeasure. "Don’t let anyone question you," he said quietly. "You deserve respect, no matter what."

Before I could say anything, three maids arrived to take Cyrus in. Mary followed closely behind them, her expression cold and distant.

She gave the maids sharp, impersonal instructions to be careful with Cyrus, her tone clipped and indifferent.

As she turned away, Carlos stepped forward, his gaze steady as he sensed Mary’s attitude toward me.

Mary hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as if struggling to hold back her retort. Finally, she muttered an apology and stepped aside, her head bowed in submission.

Carlos turned to me, his expression softening. "Grace, take Cyrus and get some rest. You’ve had a long day," he said gently.

I nodded, grateful for his support. Just as I was about to leave, another figure entered the hall.

It was Chief Steward Liza, her posture stiff with authority. Liza was one of Queen Luna’s most trusted attendants, and her arrival instantly commanded the room’s attention.

"Your Highness," Liza said with a respectful bow toward Carlos. "I am here to deliver a message from Queen Luna. She has requested to see Miss Grace immediately."

My heart beat faster upon hearing that Queen Luna wanted to see me. Why?

Carlos’s face flushed slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Then I will accompany Grace," he said, his tone resolute.

Liza raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness, with all due respect, I do not advise that. The Queen specifically requested Miss Grace to come alone."