Salvador's eyes were filled with guilt. "It is my fault, Mom.""I could remind you of your bond with the Sinclair family, speak of the past, and ask you to forget your position as king and treat Ryan as an elder would," Victoria continued, "but I will not do so. If you need to be reminded of a relationship to remember it, then that bond was never genuine in the first place. So, I will be direct with you: You must treat him well. No one is allowed to bully him."Her words stirred many memories within Salvador.It was as if he had just remembered that he too once had had close friends. When he formed his alliance with the Sinclair family, he didn't act with ulterior motives—his friendship with them had been sincere.When Hector and his sons died on the battlefield for the kingdom, Salvador had recently ascended the throne. His mind had been consumed with securing his position, gaining the loyalty of his subjects, and building achievements.He valued the success of reclaiming the Sou
Kylie's words incensed Salvador to the point of fury. With a swift motion, he swept the cup off the table, sending it crashing to the floor in a sharp clang that startled Kylie into silence.She felt his reaction was somewhat excessive. "Your Majesty, it was just a careless remark from a child! It didn't hurt Ryan. Why such an outburst over something so trivial?"Salvador's voice was cold as ice. "If you'd rather Connor remain a mere child with no responsibilities or expectations, I will gladly grant your wish."Kylie was stunned. "Your Majesty, you can't say such things! If word of this gets out, I fear the ministers will take it to heart!"Salvador sneered. "And what's wrong with that? After all, you've made it clear you hold no great hopes for him. If he's to be nothing more than a lazy prince begging for scraps from his younger brother, so be it."Kylie's vision blurred, her mind reeling with the shock of his words. She nearly fainted, and a cold dread settled in her chest.
That night, the Hell Monarch Estate was brightly lit.Jacob personally recorded Salvador's gifts, carefully cataloging and setting them aside. When Ryan returned to Northwatch Estate to inherit his title, Jacob would send the items there.Carissa held Ryan's hand as they strolled through the garden. After today's events, she feared they might have left a lasting impact on Ryan's spirit. She decided to take him out for a walk, hoping to ease his mind and inquire about his feelings and thoughts on what had happened.To her surprise, her worries were unnecessary. Ryan was calm as he looked up at her."What's the big deal? It was just one comment. There's no reason to be upset over it. The queen dowager and the king have been kind to me. They've given me so many gifts—shouldn't that outweigh a single remark? Besides, Prince Connor is still young. Once he grows up, he'll learn to respect others."Carissa playfully tapped his nose. "You clever thing! Saying Prince Connor is still young—
Before today, Carissa had never paid much attention to the question of who would succeed the throne.First, Salvador was still young; it seemed unlikely that he would appoint a crown prince so soon.Second, the royal family already had a legitimate eldest son, which was rare. Even in noble families, it wasn't uncommon for a legitimate son to be born after a concubine's child. There were many women in the king's harem, and it was always possible for a lesser concubine to bear the first son.In many noble families, it was customary that before the primary wife entered the household, no other concubines were allowed to bear children. Even during the nights of intimacy, a special medicine was consumed to prevent conception. If a woman were to accidentally become pregnant, a medicinal abortion was a common solution.However, the royal family was different. Any child born to a concubine, boy or girl, was still considered part of the royal bloodline.One of Salvador's concubines, Penelop
Yuna continued to massage Lisandra's scalp, and asked softly, "Your Highness, General Stellwyn has agreed to retreat his troops. How do you plan to handle Penny?""Are you trying to plead for her?"Yuna hesitated, then said, "She tried to harm you, Your Highness, which is an unforgivable crime. But there are so few women in the court, and Penny at least had the potential for promotion. People like us probably won't get another chance to rise. Is there any way you could give her another opportunity?"Lisandra's gaze was as cold as ice. "She has no chance left.""She only wanted to avenge Prince Arthur—""Yuna Rutherford!" Lisandra pushed her hand away and warned coldly, "If you truly think her position is so hard to come by, then you shouldn't be pleading for her. Do you remember how hard we've fought to get here? One misstep could ruin everything. Even the smallest mistake would be enough for others to tear us down, especially for her—she should have been more careful than anyone!
Aurora trembled. Of course, she would never forget these two villages.She took a sharp breath, her elbows pushing against the ground as she crawled forward, moving slowly. "N-No, I won't go! You said you were taking me back to Westhaven's capital, didn't you?""Of course we are." Yuna's expression was cold as ice. "We'll just bring your head back. It's simpler that way."Aurora's eyes widened in terror, and her hands gripped the iron bars weakly. "No! Please, don't take me to Grapevine Village! Take me to the capital. Kill me in front of the prince's grave!"Yuna's face twisted with hatred. "What makes you think you're worthy to reach the prince's grave? Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do. Do you really believe your coward of a husband will come to save you? Stop fooling yourself—he won't come.""No, you've got it all wrong!" Aurora's eyes darted nervously. "I truly regret my actions. I shouldn't have used such cruel methods against the people of Fawnrun City. I
Yuna walked toward Yasmine and Penny, the lamp in her hand casting a soft glow.Penny wasn't detained, but she knew what awaited her. She wasn't afraid of death. As long as she could see Aurora torn apart, she would die without regret."I've already told her. She's terrified," Yuna said, her gaze briefly flicking over Penny's face before resting on Yasmine."Let her experience the fear of death," Yasmine replied with a cool tone."When she dies, I'll die in peace," Penny said, taking a deep breath as tears flooded from her eyes like a broken dam."You didn't have to die," Yasmine retorted. "We were set on taking Aurora, but you had to go and mess things up."Penny wiped her tears. "I don't regret it. Even if I had to choose again, I'd do the same."A flicker of annoyance passed across Yuna's eyes. "You're still saying that? If you don't think you've done anything wrong, why bother pretending to regret it in front of Her Highness?"The night wind rustled Penny's cloak and dishev
All the eyes filled with anger and hatred seemed to merge into blazing flames, flames so hot they felt as if they could scorch her. At that instant, Aurora felt as though she were being roasted alive. Fear squeezed her chest, almost crushing her heart. Her entire body was wracked with pain.The cries of the crowd rang out like thunder. "Kill her! Kill this demon and offer her as a sacrifice to the spirits of the villagers she slaughtered!"Aurora trembled uncontrollably, unable to hold herself together. She curled into a ball in the cage, too terrified to open her eyes and face them. The sounds of shouting and violence filled the air around her.Leroy raised his arm. "Move aside, everyone! Clear a path! We're taking this prisoner to the grave pit. Once there, I will release her, and you can do as you wish with her. But…" He paused, his voice taking on a sharp edge. "One thing—her head must be left intact. We need to bring it back to the capital to report to the king. You can
Lisandra continued, "The irony is, when I was a grand princess, I could call for women to join the ranks of government without hesitation. Now that I am the queen, I must move slowly, cautiously, balancing all the factions, weakening their hostility and wariness toward me. There are so many things to consider and so many forces at play. At times, I grow impatient, and I wish I could simply rid myself of those who oppose me."Carissa thought for a moment before replying, "In truth, whether one is a king or an official, man or woman, I believe their goal is the same, Your Majesty. It's to ensure the long-term stability of the kingdom and the peace and prosperity of the people. "When the nation prospers and war is no longer a threat, any reforms you wish to make will face less resistance. But for now, you must first secure your position, Your Majesty."Her meaning was subtle, but Lisandra understood clearly. The kingdom was still in turmoil, with various factions causing obstacles. Si
The royal palace of Orivenia stood resplendent and imposing, its golden architecture gleaming under the night sky, exuding an air of solemn grandeur.Upon passing through the first palace gate, the carriage rolled smoothly along the wide palace path, its spaciousness a stark contrast to the more cramped streets outside. However, what stood out the most was the abundance of lamps. It seemed as if oil was no object, for the palace grounds were lit up as though the night itself had been banished. As they got out of the carriage and walked along the winding corridor, the large trees ahead were hung with many lamps. Anyone trying to hide in the trees wouldn't stand a chance; they would be seen immediately.Liam led the way. As they approached a grand palace hall, two female attendants stepped forward. They exchanged a few words with Liam in the Westic before smiling and nodding to Carissa and Violet."Ladies, Her Majesty invites you to enter the palace," Liam said with a polite gesture
By the time they reached the capital of Orivenia, it was the 13th of August. A full month had passed since they left Starhaven.The afternoon sun shone brightly, and Kendrick lay back in the carriage as they entered the city.Since entering Orivenia's borders, they had endured seven assassination attempts. The last one had been particularly brutal, likely involving suicide soldiers. Many of the Mystic Army were injured, and even Violet had been grazed on the shoulder. Thankfully, it hadn't struck anything vital.Kendrick's fear was understandable. The attack had come when he was emerging from the washroom. The assassin's sword had pierced his chest, nearly plunging in completely. It was Carissa who noticed in time and swiftly turned, driving her spear into the assassin's chest before dragging him back with the hooked tip of her dagger, saving Kendrick's life.Though the injuries were minor, Kendrick reacted as if he had been mortally wounded. He howled in agony for half the night b
Kendrick had been shaken by the attack, and the royal physician had already been called to prepare a sedative to calm his nerves.When Carissa visited him, it was a pitiful sight. His face was as pale as paper, drained of all color. His lips trembled, and he shakily asked if the assassins were gone.She reassured him, saying they had gone, and only then did his trembling subside slightly.The people around him had already informed him that the assassins were driven off, but he hadn't believed them. He needed to hear it from Carissa to feel any sense of security.Carissa reminded him to rest and recuperate before she left.Meanwhile, Davis was busy comforting the others. As the Defense Minister, he had seen his fair share of chaos and remained calm. Also, he trusted Carissa and the Mystic Army. He didn't think there was much to fear—at worst, they had just risked losing a head.It was Meadow Ridge's members who gathered together, speculating that the black-clad figures they had en
At the break of dawn, the large procession set out for Orivenia.Carissa didn't feel much regret in leaving. After all, they would pass through Victory Pass on the way back, and she would have the chance to meet with her grandfather and his family again.Once they had left Victory Pass, the road grew rougher. Many sections were full of deep potholes or had been intentionally damaged, making it difficult for the carriages to move forward.However, Kendrick was determined not to ride a horse again. Even after days of rest, his legs were still sore from the relentless friction of the saddle. Walking was manageable, but sitting on horseback? That was pure agony.So, despite having earned his merit at Victory Pass for establishing an orphanage there, Kendrick insisted on traveling by carriage. When the wheels got stuck or the path became too treacherous, the Mystic Army soldiers dismounted and pushed the carriage forward, inching their way through the difficult terrain.Fortunately,
Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envo
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion