From Reader to Ruler: The Forgotten Prince's Rise through Harem-Chapter 8: A Step Toward Change

Chapter 8: A Step Toward Change

For the past few days, Leena had slowly begun to adjust to life at the mansion, but Dani could tell she was still hesitant. She would leave her room, step into his, stand there for a moment, and then retreat back without saying a word. It was as if she wanted to reach out but didn't know how. Her fear of rejection was deeply ingrained, and Dani knew that words alone wouldn't be enough to erase it.

She needed a reason to trust him, a way to build confidence in herself. And Dani had just the idea.

That morning, he knocked on her door. "Leena, get dressed properly. We're going to town," he said as he stepped inside.

Leena, who had been lying on the bed, immediately sat up in alarm. Her golden eyes widened in fear, and her ears twitched. She clutched the blanket close to her chest as if Dani had just asked her to walk into a battlefield.

Dani sighed and lightly flicked her forehead with his finger.

She blinked in confusion and rubbed the spot where he had touched her.

"You don't have to worry about anything when I'm with you," Dani reassured her with a soft smile. "So, dress up nicely and build up some confidence. I may not be strong, but I'm still a direct prince of this kingdom. No one will dare harm you when I'm by your side."

Leena opened her mouth slightly as if she wanted to say something, but before she could, Dani turned and left the room.

Half an hour later, the door creaked open.

Dani looked up, and his breath hitched.

Leena stood in the doorway, dressed in an elegant black dress with golden embroidery. The fabric hugged her figure gracefully, the dark color contrasting against her pale, flawless skin. Her black cat ears twitched slightly, and her long tail swayed behind her. But what truly captivated him were her golden eyes—like molten sunlight, gleaming with an uncertain shyness.

Dani stepped forward and smiled. "Dress like this more often. You look beautiful."

Leena's ears twitched, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, fidgeting with the hem of her dress, but Dani could see a small, almost imperceptible smile forming on her lips.

He gently took her hand. "Come on, let's go."

A Walk in the Flower Fields

Instead of heading straight to the town, Dani led Leena through the vast flower fields surrounding the mansion. It was a breathtaking sight—endless waves of vibrant petals swaying under the golden morning sun. The soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the sky stretched endlessly above them.

Leena's eyes widened as she took in the scenery.

She had lived her entire life surrounded by hatred and darkness. To her, beauty had always been something out of reach—something meant for others but never for her. And yet, here she was, standing in a field of colors more vivid than anything she had ever imagined.

For the first time, she wasn't looking at the world through the lens of fear.

As they walked, they ran into Lucian and Dani's mother, Queen Seraphina, who were also taking a stroll.

Lucian noticed them first and smiled. "Dani, good morning." His gaze then shifted to Leena, and his brows lifted in surprise.

Queen Seraphina's reaction was similar. "Oh my," she murmured, studying Leena closely. "So, this is the girl you brought home."

Leena tensed immediately, her tail curling around her leg as she instinctively hid behind Dani's back.

Dani felt her grip tighten on his hand. He could sense her trembling slightly. She was terrified of what they might say, of what they might do.

But to his surprise, Queen Seraphina simply smiled and placed a gentle hand on Leena's head. "How cute."

Lucian chuckled. "I've never seen a human with beastkin features before. It's quite astonishing... and honestly, beautiful."

Leena's ears perked up in shock. She had expected disgust, maybe even hostility. But instead, they were treating her... normally.

Lucian then turned to Dani with a teasing grin. "You sure know how to pick a beautiful girl, huh?"

Leena's face turned scarlet, and her tail fluffed up in embarrassment.

Queen Seraphina giggled. "And judging by how you're both dressed so nicely, are you two going on a date?"

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on ƒreewebɳovel.com.

Dani cleared his throat, feeling his own cheeks warm. He quickly regained his composure and said, "Yes."

Then, he turned to Leena. "Let me introduce you properly. This beautiful, gorgeous woman—who also happens to be the most beautiful woman in the world—is my mother."

Queen Seraphina smiled at the compliment, while Lucian smirked, clearly expecting one for himself as well.

Dani glanced at his brother. "And this big, righteous idiot is—unfortunately—my brother."

Lucian's jaw dropped. "Hey! That's not fair!"

Dani burst into laughter, and to his delight, so did Leena.

Her laugh was soft and delicate, like the chiming of wind chimes. It was the first time he had ever heard it, and it made his heart skip a beat.

"You should laugh more, Leena," he murmured without thinking. "You look beautiful when you do."

The moment the words left his mouth, he realized he had said them out loud.

Lucian and Queen Seraphina both stared at him, smirking knowingly.

Dani's face turned red.

His mother giggled. "Oh my, Dani, you're just like your father."

Now even more embarrassed, Dani grabbed Leena's hand and quickly walked away. "I'll be back at night!" he called over his shoulder.

Meeting Aria, the Cursed Knight

At the mansion's entrance, Dani waited for someone.

After a short while, she arrived.

Aria, the cursed knight.

She was breathtaking.

Her long, golden-blonde hair cascaded in waves, framing her sharp yet elegant features. Her piercing blue eyes carried an unshakable confidence, yet there was something hidden behind them—a silent weight, a burden. She wore a royal blue military-style uniform, decorated with intricate gold embroidery, a high collar, and a breastplate that emphasized her strength. A white sash crossed her torso, and at her hip, she carried a ceremonial sword with a golden hilt.

And yet... despite her noble and commanding presence, there was something else.

Dani could sense it.

The curse.

It wasn't a normal curse that weakened the body or brought misfortune. No, Aria's curse was something far more twisted.

She stopped before him and bowed slightly. "Apologies for my late arrival, young master. I was dealing with some matters."

Dani shook his head. "It's fine." He could still detect the faint scent caused by her curse, though it would fade soon.

Leena also seemed to sense something strange about Aria.

But for now, there was no time to dwell on it. Their journey to town awaited.

Arrival in Town: A Silent Warning

The moment they arrived in the town, all eyes fell on them.

People noticed Leena first. A cat girl dressed in a royal outfit? That alone was shocking enough. But when they saw Dani—his clothes carrying the emblem of the royal family—their expressions changed.

The hatred toward Leena was still there, but no one dared to voice it. Not when she was standing beside a prince.

A small child pointed at her and tugged at his mother's sleeve. "Mom, look! That cat girl lady is so pretty!"

His mother quickly hushed him, but before she could say anything, Dani approached the boy and ruffled his hair.

"You've got good eyes, kid," Dani said with a smirk. "She is beautiful—more beautiful than most of the people standing here."

His words carried weight. The townspeople immediately understood.

This wasn't just any prince. This was a prince who was willing to stand against them.

And it was a warning.

A Slap That Echoed

They entered a clothing store.

But Leena hesitated at the entrance.

Dani followed her gaze and realized why.

Memories from the past surfaced—the day she had merely looked at the clothes outside, only to be hit and cursed by the shopkeeper.

Dani's blood boiled.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.

The shopkeeper turned, her expression twisting in disgust the moment she saw Leena. "You again?! How dare you step—"

SLAP!

Dani's hand struck her face.

The entire store fell silent.

His voice was cold. "If any of you insult Leena again, remember—that will be your last day."

And just like that, the entire town knew—Dani Everhart had chosen his side.