Episode 1

In the remarkably tiny yet immensely wealthy realm of the Tulip Kingdom, the King's eightieth birthday celebration was underway, honoring King Tom Wilde.

His daughter-in-law, Princess Hilda, widow of the late crown prince, had thrown the party.

The royal family stepped out onto the palace balcony to greet their subjects, who showered King Tom with affection. He was highly cherished and loved by the people.

In Rivergreen Palace, dinner was about to start, with everyone present except for one. Prince Alejandro, son of the deceased Prince Harold, was missing.

"Where is your son Hilda? The boy is disrespectful," the queen whispered to the princess.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I have no idea where he is," she replied with deep regret.

"Get him here now, or I shall have him whipped for disobeying the king's orders!"

Princess Hilda discreetly got up and sent someone to find her son.

"Drag him here if you must," she ordered her assistant.

Many women in the kingdom sought Prince Alejandro; he was good-looking, single, wealthy, and next in line for the throne. King Tom hadn't appointed a successor, and the line started with him, followed by cousin Gustav, then Alejandro, and so on. If Gustav had a son, that child would immediately outrank him.

Hilda went up to her younger daughter Jenny's room, who was studying in Holland. Passing by Alejandro's room, she heard obscene noises.

She knocked on the door but was met with louder, improper moans.

"Open the damn door!" she yelled.

Seconds later, the prince opened the door, revealing his naked body covered only by a thin shirt.

"Mom, I'm busy here..."

Hilda didn't let him finish and pushed her way into the room.

"Get out of here, you harlots! My God, how disgusting! Get dressed and come down now. Her Majesty is furious. Everyone is at dinner but you. Move it, I will be waiting!"

Elsewhere, one of Tulip Kingdom's most beautiful girls looked for Prince Alejandro. Failing to find him among the family, she climbed the stairs and stumbled upon three girls adjusting their clothing and hair, clearly having just left the prince's bed.

She had open access and entered Alejandro's room without knocking.

"Oh, pardon me, Your Highness, I couldn't find Alejandro and came looking for him."

"Just perfect, here, take his clothes and shoes, make it quick. And please, no scenes – I need him downstairs for dinner."

Before leaving, she turned and said, "Cecilia, don't leave him alone. If all goes well, we will announce your engagement tonight."

Cecilia nodded, having waited a lifetime for this moment.

She noticed the disheveled bed and scattered female garments.

"You'll pay for every humiliation, Alejandro. You'll regret this," she seethed.

Alejandro emerged nude from the bathroom, water dripping off him, and covered his face at the sight of Cecilia.

"I won't say anything for now. Your mother wants you at dinner, and you better hurry."

"Ceci, they came, and I couldn't escape..."

"You're drunk as a skunk! You reek! Get dressed quickly; I'll find something to sober you up."

While everyone waited for the banquet to begin, an ancient family from the Tulip Kingdom entered the hall.

"Come on, man, thought you'd never show!" the king greeted them cheerfully.

"Your Majesty, how could I not come to celebrate your birthday?"

Lord Adam Humpring greeted the king equally warmly; they were lifelong friends. Though not royalty, the Humprings held substantial power, treated as near-royalty thanks to the previous king's bestowed title and dukedom.

"Lady Antonella, what beautiful daughters you've given our country, as lovely as you," said the queen.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. They are my greatest treasure," she replied.

Lord Humpring’s daughters, Lucia, Teresa, and the youngest, Melanie,paid their respects to the king and queen.

The banquet began, and Prince Alejandro joined, hand in hand with the stunning Cecilia.

Her mother sat on the far side of the hall, among non-aristocratic guests.

"Is that Cecilia? My, you'll finally join royalty, Dora. Your daughter has caught the prince."

The woman smiled, yearning to mingle among them, not just observe from afar.

"Cecilia will be princess, and I, the happiest mother in the world."

Following the banquet, the ball started. Tradition dictated the king and queen to open the dance, but before they could take a step, the king addressed the guests.

"Dear friends and family, tonight we doubly celebrate—my eightieth birthday and a much-anticipated announcement."

The queen beckoned Melanie closer as the king gestured for Prince Alejandro.

Cecilia thought she should join him, so she moved toward the center.

"Today, I am proud to announce the engagement of my prince, Alejandro, to Lady Melanie Humpring," the king declared.

The room erupted in cheers and applause, while Melanie and Alejandro looked on, confused about what to do.

"Put on a respectful face and drop the sour look," the queen chided.

Melanie knew of the engagement, believing the prince had chosen her, a notion reinforced by the queen and her own mother. Yet the prince looked at her with fury. Had she been deceived?

"I'm being pushed out! I won't marry that silly, stupid girl," Alejandro whispered to his mother.

"Be calm. Don't overstep. Your next words and actions will determine our stay in this palace, our livelihood, and that of your sisters."

With that, Alejandro composed his expression, refrained from running away as he had planned.

Cecilia glared at the young girl beside the queen, so small and frightened. How could she be fit to marry the prince? She wasn't his type and had nothing he desired.

"You won't have an easy path ahead, foolish child. You don't know what's coming for you."

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