With the royal edict in her hands, Carissa replied, "Your Majesty, Prince Rafael never had any serious illness. After deceiving Mr. Lester and Mr. Walker, he didn't go to Meadow Ridge. Instead, he headed straight for the Southern Frontier."Salvador's brow furrowed. This was one of his greatest concerns. "So, you were both aware of the situation in the Southern Frontier beforehand?"Carissa shook her head. "No, he didn't know Mr. Prince would desert the battle. He only went because he was concerned."She took a step closer and continued, "He was concerned because those soldiers in the Southern Frontier are his comrades. Together, they had driven the Sandorian forces out of Simonton City. They risked their lives, fought in bloody battles, and some even lost their lives, all for a common goal—to reclaim the Southern Frontier."When it was finally won, His Highness handed over the command with pride. But now the Sandorians are returning, with suspicions of collusion with traitors wi
Outside the hall, Derek was drenched in cold sweat, his legs trembling. Even when Carissa emerged, he felt his heart still hanging in the air, uncertain and uneasy. Salvador had not exploded in anger as Derek had expected—that, in itself, was a shock.Wiping the sweat from his brow, Derek bowed respectfully as Carissa passed.Carissa spoke quietly, just loud enough for the two of them to hear. "Don't worry, Mr. Walker."Derek felt a pang in his chest. "Take care, Commander Sinclair."Once she was gone, Derek returned to the hall to attend to the king. He couldn't resist stealing a glance at Salvador. To his astonishment, Salvador's face seemed to hold a note of happiness—something Derek had never anticipated. Earlier, when he had sent Connor off to Serenity Palace, Salvador had spoken of the Hell Monarch's journey to the Southern Frontier as if it were all part of a grand scheme. So why was he suddenly in a good mood now?Truly, the mind of a king was difficult to read.Salva
Lydia wasn't able to see Connor herself. Instead, she heard from the servants of Serenity Palace that Connor was busy copying the Thousand Verses. Victoria had forbidden anyone from interrupting him.Lydia knew well that Connor had always despised writing, so how could he quietly obey such an order?News from Serenity Palace was hard to come by, and no amount of bribery would help—there were strict rules in place. Lydia had no choice but to persist, and after much effort, she finally got a vague answer: Victoria had commanded that Connor would eat only once he finished his copying for the day.Lydia was taken aback. "Prince Connor hasn't eaten since entering Serenity Palace?" He had left for Goldleaf Palace at first light and hadn't had breakfast. It was now well past noon, yet no food was in sight?But no one answered her. After standing outside for a long time, Lydia had no choice but to return to Everspring Palace to report.Upon hearing that Connor hadn't even been fed in Se
Before Caspian was brought to the Royal Citadel, he had already gathered his family and delivered the worst of the news in Silverstone Estate.With a critical battle looming, Oliver's desertion had shaken the army's morale and unleashed a storm of rumors. If they lost the war, the fate awaiting the Earl of Silverstone's family would be nothing short of total annihilation.Even if they won, it would still be inevitable—confiscation of titles, house arrest, or even exile would follow.Evelyn nearly fainted upon hearing this. Once she regained her composure, her eyes, filled with expectation, turned to Zoey, waiting for her to speak.In the past, no matter the situation, it was Zoey who had always found a way forward.Now, Evelyn continued to place her hopes on Zoey.But this time, all Zoey offered was silence—an endless quiet that gave nothing away. There was no shock or surprise in her face, as if she had anticipated this outcome from the start.Evelyn's voice trembled. "Is there
Astral Prison was located within the Supreme Court, but was not under its jurisdiction. Those held there were typically the worst offenders, members of royal families, or influential officials.Being sentenced to Astral Prison often spoke volumes about the severity of one's crime. Few were ever released unscathed.Zoey could only hope for a sentence of exile. At least that might spare their lives. She had sent Cedric to train with Travis for this very reason—so that he might develop a strong enough body to endure the harsh journey to their place of exile, with hopes of returning to the capital once the pardon came.As long as they survived, she had plans for the future.On the other hand, Viola could hardly believe what had befallen her. She had been peacefully residing at the family's countryside villa when guards from the Royal Citadel arrived to take her away. She had been thrown into Astral Prison without explanation.At first, she was in a daze. Only when Evelyn rushed to her
When Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, she immediately heard the news—Silverstone Estate had been seized, and the Earl of Silverstone's family had been imprisoned.In fact, she already knew. The word had reached her while she was still in the palace.Or perhaps, she had suspected this even earlier, when news of Oliver's desertion reached her. She had known then that this would be the inevitable outcome.The people sent to seize Silverstone Estate were not only carrying out the punishment for Oliver's crime, but also hoping that he would turn himself in voluntarily. The confiscation of the estate and the stripping of titles were routine measures in such cases.It would be impossible for such a scandal to erupt and for the title to remain intact, allowing the family to continue in wealth and comfort. But what would happen next? Even Carissa couldn't predict Salvador's next move.Isaac had already begun making his rounds, seeking assistance, but not from the powerful or th
The following morning, Irvin brought the matter before the court.Jeremiah nodded in approval and said, "I've heard of Mrs. Prince's good deed of setting up the food distribution stall. It's rare for a woman, confined to the inner chambers of the household, to have such a chance to do good. Yet, despite her circumstances, she has remained true to her heart, doing good deeds and accumulating virtue. "It's something worthy of praise and should be spread far and wide to set an example for the people. Though, it's truly regrettable that such a virtuous woman should be dragged down by her husband and trapped in Astral Prison, her fate uncertain."Malcolm stepped forward and added, "The common people have been speaking of nothing else these past few days, and many are speaking out in support of Mrs. Prince. "Your Majesty, I believe that while Mr. Prince's actions are unforgivable, punishing his family by stripping their titles and confiscating their property is already enough. I urge y
It had been six days since the Earl of Silverstone's family was imprisoned, and not a single tear had fallen from Zoey's eyes. But now, in Carissa's presence, her eyes suddenly reddened. She quickly turned her head, her voice breaking as she whispered, "Thank you, Your Grace, for visiting a prisoner like me."Carissa looked at Zoey, who was dressed in coarse prison garb, her disheveled hair concealing a face grimy with dirt. The dignified and graceful woman she once was seemed barely recognizable."You have suffered, Madam Zoey," Carissa said softly.Zoey quickly masked her sorrow and replied, "I'm not concerned for myself, but I fear for the children. Your Grace, what does His Majesty intend to do with us? Will we be executed?"Carissa gently pulled her into a seat. "If His Majesty sought to execute you out of anger, he would have done so by now. He means to use you to draw Mr. Prince back. If he surrenders, your punishment will be lightened."Zoey shook her head. "Impossible.
Clifford's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Very well. Let's hear some of your self-righteous words."Salvador, ever the suspicious soul, had always been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Even if Carissa hadn't risen for women's rights, Salvador would still remain cautious of her.How could Carissa not know Clifford's intentions? From the moment he asked, she knew it was a trap.Before she could respond, Clifford sneered and added, "You can always start by flattering King Salvador. Praise him for how he treats women under his rule. As long as your conscience is clear, feel free to do so."Carissa was infuriated, but she wasn't willing to be baited. She met his mocking, challenging gaze. "Don't make assumptions. That's not the same thing at all. You think people are ignorant and narrow-minded as they can't understand your preferences, so you resort to extreme measures to gain their approval. But that's your personal problem. You can't speak for others like you, and you're not
Gerald and Clifford met in the Supreme Court's interrogation room. They sat across from each other, an old wooden table between them. Carissa sat behind the scribe's desk, not far from them. Even if they spoke in hushed tones, she could hear every word clearly.The only sounds in the room were the quiet rustle of breath, the steady beat of hearts, and occasionally, the almost imperceptible sound of a sigh.Yet, no words passed between them.Neither of them exchanged even a fleeting glance. It was as if they were two strangers who were forced to sit together—distant, indifferent.Carissa wondered if it was her presence that made things so strained, though she could not leave. All she could do was endure the awkward silence alongside them.At last, Gerald asked, "Why?"Gerald was truly baffled, struggling to reconcile the person before him with the image of someone he thought he knew. No matter how he looked at Clifford, he could not align the two.Clifford clasped his hands tog
As Carissa returned to the Capital Guard Headquarters the next morning, Heather intercepted her at the door.It had been a long while since Carissa had last seen Heather. In fact, it seemed Heather had kept herself mostly secluded lately.Since Harvey had been brought back to the capital, his son Lennon Sanford had not been captured, but Chester's forces continued their search. It was almost certain that the boy would be caught soon enough.Heather, anxious that Lennon might be implicated and face the same brutal punishment of beheading, rushed to Carissa for help.Carissa knew Heather had already tried appealing to Leona when Harvey was first brought back. She had asked Leona to talk to Carissa on her behalf. Yet Leona had refused, and she never mentioned the matter to Carissa. Carissa only learned of this from Alana."Carissa!" Heather hurried toward her, her face frantic with worry. "I need to speak with you. Could we find a quiet place to talk?""I have matters to attend to.
In her study, Carissa wrote a letter. Then, she handed it to Jacob with instructions to have it delivered to Rafael in the Southern Frontier.She knew the situation in the Southern Frontier. Victor was amassing troops but neither attacking nor retreating, keeping things in a stalemate.Everyone knew that Victor was just stalling. He had been given a military order to invade the Southern Frontier, but since Nicholas had failed, he could not return with any captured cities or military achievements to report.If Victor made a hasty retreat now, he would likely lose more than just his position—his life might be forfeited as well. He attempted to forge alliances with the nomads, hoping to find a way out—perhaps a way to secure his future or an escape from certain doom.The nomads, tired of conflict, had no interest in picking sides. Caught in the middle, they were doing everything they could to remain neutral, refusing to aid either side. If they really had to choose, they would choos
At precisely three in the afternoon, the long execution block was brought forward. The block was forged from ironwood, solid and unyielding. It was the only one of its kind in Starhaven, used solely for execution by Torso Cleaving.The block had been kept in storage for years.Augustus had once deemed the act of Torso Cleaving too brutal. Even those who committed the most grievous offenses were spared this form of execution. Yet, the punishment had not been abolished. It remained a tool to strike fear into the hearts of would-be traitors.The cruelty of Torso Cleaving lay in the fact that after a person was cleaved in two, the upper body could still crawl, struggle, and leave behind a bloody trail.Normally, Torso Cleaving wasn't meant to be witnessed by the public. But treason, betraying the kingdom, and plotting to overthrow the throne were considered unforgivable crimes. Salvador didn't know how many people had dealings with the traitors, and some conspirators were too deepl
The capital guards escorted Evelyn, Zoey, and Viola up to the execution platform. Evelyn's legs trembled, and she couldn't muster any strength. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, blurring her vision to the point that she could no longer see clearly."You foolish boy!" Evelyn let out a mournful cry, raising her hand and slapping Oliver's face. "You've disgraced your grandfather and your father! How can you face them in the afterlife?"Her slap lacked force; even as she exerted every ounce of her strength, Oliver barely felt the sting.Caught in a whirlwind of panic, Oliver's mind raced. Seeing his mom before him, he seemed to have found a lifeline in a stormy sea. He cried desperately, "Mom, save me! Please save me!"Evelyn, near exhaustion from her sorrow, could barely speak. "You've committed an unforgivable crime! How can I save you now? His Majesty once showed favor to you—how could you betray such grace?""Mom, I know I was wrong! I know it now!" Oliver cried, tears streaming do
After Evelyn finished crying, she didn't say much. However, she stubbornly insisted on going to deliver Oliver his final meal. Her eyes were swollen and her voice was thick with congestion, nearly a rasp. "I know the court allows family to see their loved ones before execution," she said, her tone strained. "I don't want anything else—just this one thing. I need to see him and make sure he's fed. I don't want him to die hungry and become a vengeful spirit."Tears began to fall once more as she cast a tearful glance at Zoey. "You have children, too. You should understand what it means to be a mother. To the world, he may be seen as the greatest of villains. But to me, he will always be that helpless child that hasn't changed."Zoey remained silent for a long moment, then finally said, "Mother, do you know how the final meeting is arranged? It is at the execution ground. Are you sure you want to see him getting decapitated?"Evelyn trembled, her body shaking with emotion. "You must
When Carissa went to the palace to deliver her report, she also expressed her sympathy for Zoey besides presenting the confession. She didn't hide her admiration for Zoey in her words.Despite her difficult life, Zoey still had a kind heart. She continuously gave out food and medicine. Even though her whole family now lived in Skye Embroidery, she never asked for the money she had given away to be returned.Furthermore, Zoey had shown great courage and moral integrity. She had publicly condemned her kin for the sake of the greater good—a rare quality that many men, even among the nobility, could not aspire to.Recognizing the need for such an example to inspire his people, Salvador immediately issued an edict praising Zoey. He granted her 100 gold coins and a residence.As for the exiled men from the Prince family, they could return to the capital after the Southern Frontier won the battle, along with the Hell Monarch.Zoey had turned an impossible situation around. Now, who would
Oliver was a notorious criminal, and he should have been sent directly to the Supreme Court. However, Carissa took a different route. She had him detained at the Capital Guard headquarters, where he was to be interrogated first. Afterward, she planned to report the matter to Salvador. She would credit Zoey for her tip, and then plead for Caspian and Cedric to be allowed to return to the capital as soon as possible.Celeste was still detained in the Capital Guard headquarters. If she and Oliver met, it might uncover more secrets—such as just how deeply the Spencer family's collateral branch was involved in this mess.The two prisoners were held in adjacent cells, separated by only a narrow iron bar. When their eyes met for the first time, both faces changed instantly.On the way here, Oliver kept cursing Zoey for betraying him. But when he saw Celeste, he completely forgot about Zoey. He snarled, his teeth clenched. "You wretched woman, look at you now! It's true—bad people get w