I lifted the spoon, forcing down a mouthful of the creamy soup.
It burned in my throat, churned in my stomach like poison.
From across the table, Liam’s derisive laugh cut like a blade.
“Oh, so now you eat it? I knew you couldn’t let go of being Silver Ridge’s princess.”
I said nothing. I only swallowed against the searing pain.
Then I rose. Step by step, I walked to Alpha Marcus—the man I once called Father. My voice was steady, too calm.
“With respect, Alpha Marcus… it wasn’t out of defiance that I didn’t drink what Prince Liam served. Years of labor have ruined my body. I cannot take dairy. This cream of mushroom soup—if I drink too much, it could kill me.”
The hall fell silent.
Only then did they notice: not once had I touched milk, or cream, or cheese.
Liam stiffened, disbeli
