LYDIA'S POV

　　The crowd shifted uneasily, whispers growing louder. Evan and Brandon exchanged worried glances but remained by my side, their support unwavering.

　　Fiona, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, stepped forward. "Perhaps you don't remember everything, Lydia. Trauma can do that to a person, I recognised Oleg when I first saw him, even my Lycan felt the connection with him."

　　I turned to Fiona, my eyes blazing. "I know what I remember. And I know Oleg is lying. The question is, why? Why would you lie about something so important, Oleg?"

　　Oleg's expression hardened, but before he could respond, Evan spoke up. "We demand the truth, Oleg. If you have any respect for the people of this kingdom, you'll tell us why you're really doing this."

　　Brandon nodded in agreement. "Lydia deserves the truth. We all do."

　　Oleg's facade cracked, just for a moment, before he regained his composure. "I did what I thought was necessary to protect the kingdom. Fiona is the rightful princess, and I was trying to rectify a mistake."

　　"A mistake?" I echoed, incredulous. "You mean betraying the trust of everyone who believed in you? You mean manipulating events to suit your own agenda?"

　　Fiona stepped forward, a smug smile playing on her lips. She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small, intricately carved insignia. "This," she declared, holding it up for all to see, "is the primary identifier of the princess's status. It's a unique insignia that has been passed down through generations."

　　The crowd murmured in awe and confusion, eyes fixed on the insignia. I felt a pang of doubt, but I pushed it aside. This had to be another one of Oleg's manipulations.

　　"That insignia means nothing without proof," I said firmly. "Anyone could have acquired it. It doesn't prove you're the rightful princess."

　　Oleg's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "This insignia is a well-guarded secret of the royal family, Lydia. Only the true princess would possess it. How else would Fiona have it?"

　　"I don't know, Oleg. Maybe you gave it to her," I shot back, my voice growing louder with each word. "You've been lying about everything else. Why should we believe you now?"

　　Fiona scoffed. "You're grasping at straws, Lydia. You're afraid to admit that you're an imposter."

　　"I'm not afraid of anything," I retorted. "And I am certainly not an imposter. I've fought for this kingdom, bled for it. I've earned my place."

　　The room fell silent as everyone waited for Oleg's response. His face was a mask of calm, betraying nothing.

　　Just then, my mother came running into the hall and hugged Fiona tightly. I stared in awe, my mind racing.

　　What is going on? Why is she hugging her? Is my mother also involved in this?

　　"Mother?" I called out, my voice trembling with confusion and hurt.

　　Kate turned to me, her eyes filled with tears. "Lydia, how could you? You've deceived everyone. This is Fiona, the true princess. I can't believe you would go this far."

　　The words hit me like a physical blow. "Mother, no! You must be mistaken. I am your daughter. I am the rightful heir."

　　Kate shook her head, stepping away from me as if I were a stranger. "I've been blind to your lies for too long. Fiona is the rightful princess. I see that now."

　　The crowd began to murmur, skepticism growing with each passing second. My heart sank as I felt the weight of their doubt.

　　Oleg seized the moment, stepping forward. "You see, Lydia? Even your mother recognizes the truth. Fiona is the rightful heir, and it's time for you to step aside."

　　I looked around the room, seeing the uncertainty in the eyes of the people who had once supported me. They were beginning to believe the lies, the betrayal cutting deeper than any wound.

　　"Mother, please," I begged, my voice breaking. "You know me. You know I'm not a fraud."

　　Kate's expression hardened. "I know what I see, Lydia. And I see a girl who has taken advantage of our trust. Fiona is the rightful heir, and we must do what is right."

　　The realization of my mother's betrayal hit me hard. How could she turn against me so easily? I had trusted Oleg, relied on his guidance, and now he was revealing his true colors. His ambition was clear—he wanted to take over the throne, and he was using Fiona and my mother to achieve his goal.

　　As the room buzzed with the crowd's mounting skepticism, I felt a surge of regret. Had Oleg orchestrated everything? Had he been the mastermind behind Jason's setup and my ordeal at the WR Pack? The pieces began to fall into place, and a dark suspicion took root in my heart.

　　"Evan, Brandon," I whispered, my voice laced with urgency. "We need to find out the truth. We need to expose Oleg's lies."

　　Evan nodded, his eyes burning with determination. "We're with you, Lydia. We'll uncover the truth and clear your name."

　　Brandon stepped closer, his presence a comforting reassurance. "We'll find a way, Lydia. We won't let them take everything from you."

　　Drawing strength from their unwavering support, I straightened my shoulders and faced the crowd. "Listen to me," I called out, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I am Lydia, the rightful princess. I have fought for this kingdom, and I will continue to fight for it. Do not let Oleg's lies deceive you."

　　Oleg smirked, but there was a glint of frustration in his eyes. "Your words mean nothing without proof, Lydia. Fiona holds the insignia, and your mother has confirmed her identity. It's time for you to step down."

　　I clenched my fists, determination fueling my resolve. "I will find the truth. I will expose your deceit, Oleg. And when I do, you will answer for your betrayal."

　　With that, I turned and walked out of the hall, Evan and Brandon flanking me. The road ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but I knew one thing for certain—I would not rest until I had reclaimed my rightful place and brought justice to those who had wronged me.