CHAPTER 52
DANIEL'S POV
After informing my father about Tanya's presence in the palace, I expected anger, disappointment, or even resistance from him after learning the truth about my origins.
Instead, the king surprised me.
"My son," he said while placing his hand on my shoulder, "thank you for still honoring me as your father even after learning the truth. Blood may reveal where you came from, but love is what raises a child."
His words touched my heart deeply.
For the first time since learning about my real origins, the heavy burden inside my chest slowly disappeared. I realized that no matter what happened, King Adrian still considered me his son.
"And you even brought your future wife to meet me," he added with a proud smile. "That alone shows the respect you still have for this family."
I lowered my head respectfully.
"You raised me to become the man I am today, Father. Nothing will ever change that."
The king looked pleased.
Immediately, he instructed the palace maids to prepare a royal breakfast for Tanya. He also ordered expensive welcoming gifts to be brought for the future princess.
"Make sure everything is perfect," he commanded the servants. "My future daughter-in-law must be welcomed properly."
The maids bowed before hurrying away.
A few moments later, my father looked at me again.
"I also want to visit the covenant," he said seriously. "If these are your mother's people, then I want to meet them myself."
I remained silent as he continued speaking.
"I want to see whether they truly care about you. A family should welcome their own with love, not merely by blood."
His words made me respect him even more.
Not long after, two palace maids entered the royal hall with Tanya walking between them.
The moment my eyes landed on her, my entire body froze.
She looked breathtaking.
The maids had transformed her completely.
Her long dark hair flowed beautifully over her shoulders like silk. The elegant royal gown wrapped perfectly around her body, making her look like a heavenly angel sent from the skies.
Her natural beauty alone had always been enough to steal my breath away, but this time she looked even more stunning.
I was used to seeing Tanya dressed in her witch regalia with her usual cold and serious expression. She rarely cared about makeup or fancy clothes.
But now…
Now she looked like a goddess standing inside the royal palace.
Even my father looked amazed.
"So this is the woman who stole my son's heart?" he asked before laughing proudly. "Daniel, you truly have golden eyes just like your father. You chose a beautiful wife."
I barely heard his words.
My gaze remained glued to Tanya.
She looked nervous standing before the king, but even her shyness made her more beautiful.
Tanya slowly bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
The king smiled warmly at her.
"You are welcome here, Tanya. Any woman capable of making my stubborn son look this speechless must truly be special."
The palace servants laughed softly.
Tanya's cheeks immediately turned red with embarrassment.
Without even realizing what I was doing, I stood up from my seat and walked directly toward her.
The closer I got, the harder my heart pounded.
When I finally reached her, I pulled her gently into my arms before pressing my lips against hers.
The entire royal hall became silent.
Tanya's eyes widened in shock.
"Daniel…" she whispered against my lips, embarrassed.
She lightly pushed me away, not with anger, but with tenderness and love.
The king suddenly burst into laughter.
"I see my son has completely lost his mind because of love!"
Even the servants struggled to hide their smiles.
Tanya lowered her face shyly while I continued staring at her shamelessly.
Truthfully, I did not care who was watching.
At that moment, Tanya was the only thing I could see.
The king eventually signaled for the gifts to be brought forward.
Expensive jewelry, royal fabrics, gold bracelets, and precious gemstones were presented before Tanya.
"These are only small welcoming gifts," the king told her kindly. "From today onward, consider yourself part of this royal family."
Tanya looked genuinely touched by his acceptance.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly.
After the royal introduction and breakfast finally ended, Tanya and I prepared to leave the palace.
We still needed to return to the covenant and inform the queen about King Adrian's request to visit and meet Daniel's maternal people.
As we left the palace together, I secretly held Tanya's hand tightly.
And for the first time in many years…
I truly felt like I belonged somewhere.