LYDIA'S POV

　　"So, Fiona. My first question to you is- Describe the proper etiquette for addressing a visiting dignitary of equal rank during a royal banquet." I asked in a firm voice.

　　But she remained silent and had no answer.

　　"What you don't know? Okay then let me ask a simpler question. What are the primary duties and responsibilities of the Lord Chancellor in our realm?" I asked but she remained silent, her confidence breaking brick by brick.

　　"Enough Lydia! You hold no power in the court and hence you have zero rights to ask questions to Fiona." Oleg shouted in the middle and I smirked at him.

　　"Actually Oleg, I do have the rights. According to the rules of the royal court, I have the right to challenge the royal heir since I won the Heir Assessment. Before coronation, there is another ceremony conducted where a royal heir can be challenged by a commoner for the throne. Since you missed that ceremony then allow me to do the honours." Oleg's eyes widened slightly when I said this and he looked somewhat disturbed.

　　"So, I Lydia Carpenter challenge you Fiona the so-called heir of the throne for a duel."

　　I knew this was my only way to prove that I was the true Lycan. Because only a true Lycan werewolf with true royal blood can win the duel Fiona stood no chance against me, and that's the only way I can prove that I am King Rufus' daughter.

　　In the grand hall of the royal palace, the air was charged with tension as me and Fiona stood facing each other, swords drawn and determination etched upon our faces. The hall, adorned with tapestries depicting the kingdom's history and noble lineage, bore witness to a confrontation that would determine the rightful heir to the throne.

　　On one side I was standing, clad in armour that bore the crest of my royal lineage, stood tall with a sword that gleamed with the light of chandeliers hanging from the high vaulted ceiling. My eyes, resolute and fiery, bore into Fiona's with unwavering determination. Beside me stood my loyal companions, Evan and Brandon, their presence a silent testament to their unwavering support.

　　Fiona, dressed in regal attire that shimmered with opulence, held her sword with a grip that betrayed both nervousness and resolve. Her facade of confidence wavered under my piercing gaze, yet she stood her ground, unwilling to yield.

　　I thought that at one point she would break and confess but she also stood firm at her place.

　　I didn't want to fight her because I knew that she was just a pawn and was being controlled by someone else, but in order to find the truth I had to do what was necessary at this point.

　　"You have deceived the court and usurped my rightful place, Fiona. You claim to be a princess, but your actions betray your falsehood. Today, we settle this once and for all." I declared.

　　She forced a defiant smile, "I am as much a princess as you, Lydia. The people have embraced me, and the throne is rightfully mine now. If you wish to challenge me, so be it. But know that I will not yield easily."

　　I advanced toward her slowly and kept my sword ready for action, "Your lies end here, Fiona. Let's see if you have the skill to match your deceit."

　　The tension in the hall was palpable as we circled each other, our swords gleaming in the flickering candlelight. I moved with precision and grace, her every movement calculated and purposeful. Fiona, though visibly nervous, displayed a surprising agility as she parried my strikes with determination.

　　The clash of steel echoed through the hall as I pressed my advantage, her attacks relentless and methodical. Fiona, driven by desperation, fought back with a newfound ferocity, her movements fueled by the fear of exposure and the desire to maintain her false identity. But there was something else, in her eyes. It was almost as if she was jealous or angry, I am not sure.

　　I don't remember much about her.

　　We both belonged to the same pack and held same position the pack. We both were slaves but for some reason she always hated me. I was punished the most by the Alpha family, I did most of the pack housework, and I was the one appointed to entertain the guests at the parties but I never hated her or asked her to share the work, we just never got the chance to interact due to extreme pressure.

　　"You think you are better than me? Just because someone picked you up from the dirt and gave you the throne for a few months you started thinking that we are beneath you." Fiona said while her sword struck with mine.

　　"I can say the same about you Fiona, it has been only one day and you think that we all are beneath you. Let's face the truth, you are not the royal blood." I mocked and attacked her while managing to damage a part of her armour through the attack.

　　"It doesn't matter, the throne belongs to me now. You have already snatched so much away from me. I will snatch your most precious possession." She challenged and I smirked because I knew that she could never do that.

　　Our swords rang out in a furious exchange, each clash reverberating through the hall. Evan and Brandon watched with bated breath, their fists clenched in solidarity with me. The courtiers and nobles gathered as witnesses, and murmured amongst themselves, torn between loyalty and the unsettling truth unfolding before them.