When fate plays its hand

Carissa listened closely to Leroy and Rafael’s conversation, taking in every word.

It was true that they were doing everything they could to avoid war. However, they couldn’t let Westhaven be so certain that they didn’t want to fight. In particular, Leroy needed to think that it was only the Sinclair and Sullivan families who didn’t want war, while the Hell Monarch was eager to reclaim his military authority through battle.

Carissa shifted her focus back to Lisandra, who was speaking fluent Stellish with ease.

“I’ve long wanted to meet you, Lady Carissa,” she said, her tone sincere. “So, I made sure to be assigned to this mission. One of the main purposes of my trip is meeting you.”

Lisandra had already said this once before, but now it seemed more genuine. It was as if it came from the heart, instead of the diplomatic flattery they had exchanged earlier.

Carissa smiled. “It’s also a great honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

Sitting close, Lisandra didn’t appear as exhausted as she had the previous day at the city gates. It seemed the rest had done her well. The dark circles under her eyes, faintly concealed by makeup, were now gone. However, despite her appearance, her overall state suggested she was older than her actual years.

Carissa knew that Lisandra had once been a regent who navigated Westhaven through both internal and external turmoil. The hardships she must have faced were not something the public knew. And despite knowing that tomorrow’s situation would be one of tense opposition, Carissa couldn’t help but feel respect for the grand princess.

After some brief pleasantries, the banquet began. Everyone took their places at the table, and the meal was served. The Westhaven envoys still sat on the right side, while Rafael and Carissa took seats together.

Victoria didn’t join the meal, having only come to meet with Lisandra to show her respect for the envoys and queen were in attendance, and various princes and powerful officials filled the other seats.

Naturally, Harvey wasn’t present, nor was Heather. Yuvan attended with Fiona. In this setting, he would bring Molly, even though she was his princess consort.

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As the banquet progressed, wine flowed and glasses clinked. It created the appearance of a cordial relationship between the two kingdoms without any major grievances. Salvador made only polite remarks, such as wishing everyone an enjoyable evening, but said little else.

Between Carissa and Rafael, there was a palpable distance. They didn’t exchange any glances, and though they were sitting next to each other, their chairs were a noticeable distance apart. Leroy and Amos occasionally east curious glances in their direction, trying to discern whether the distance between the couple was genuine or merely for show. It was important to know.

Their stance on war largely depended on the Hell Monarch, as everyone believed that with the apparent affection between him and his wife, Rafael would do everything possible to avoid conflict, especially for the sake of Dominic.

It was clear that Salvador didn’t want war either. Without the massacre of villagers and the killing of war prisoners on the record, it would be hard to justify an immediate shift to war if negotiations stalled. Such an abrupt escalation would seem unreasonable, likely sparking public outrage.

But what did the Hell Monarch have to fear? Public discontent wouldn’t be aimed at him. It would target Salvador. The other nations and tribes would call the king incompetent and ineffective, but the Hell Monarch would come through unscathed.

In fact, war was far more advantageous for Rafael, especially if he harbored ambitions of taking Salvador’s place.

Carissa listened closely to Leroy and Rafael’s conversation, taking in every word.

It was true that they were doing everything they could to avoid war. However, they couldn’t let Westhaven be so certain that they didn’t want to fight. In particular, Leroy needed to think that it was only the Sinclair and Sullivan families who didn’t want war, while the Hell Monarch was eager to reclaim his military authority through battle.

Carissa shifted her focus back to Lisandra, who was speaking fluent Stellish with ease.

“I’ve long wanted to meet you, Lady Carissa,” she said, her tone sincere. “So, I made sure to be assigned to this mission. One of the main purposes of my trip is meeting you.”

Lisandra had already said this once before, but now it seemed more genuine. It was as if it came from the heart, instead of the diplomatic flattery they had exchanged earlier.

Carissa smiled. “It’s also a great honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

Sitting close, Lisandra didn’t appear as exhausted as she had the previous day at the city gates. It seemed the rest had done her well. The dark circles under her eyes, faintly concealed by makeup, were now gone. However, despite her appearance, her overall state suggested she was older than her actual years.

Carissa knew that Lisandra had once been a regent who navigated Westhaven through both internal and external turmoil. The hardships she must have faced were not something the public knew. And despite knowing that tomorrow’s situation would be one of tense opposition, Carissa couldn’t help but feel respect for the grand princess.

After some brief pleasantries, the banquet began. Everyone took their places at the table, and the meal was served. The Westhaven envoys still sat on the right side, while Rafael and Carissa took seats together.

Victoria didn’t join the meal, having only come to meet with Lisandra to show her respect for the envoys. The king and queen were in attendance, and various princes and powerful officials filled the other seats.

Naturally, Harvey wasn’t present, nor was Heather. Yuvan attended with Fiona. In this setting, he would. Molly, even though she was his princess consort. Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.

As the banquet progressed, wine flowed and glasses clinked. It created the appearance of a cordial relationship between the two kingdoms without any major grievances. Salvador made only polite remarks, such as wishing everyone an enjoyable evening, but said little else.

Between Carissa and Rafael, there was a palpable distance. They didn’t exchange any glances, and though they were sitting next to each other, their chairs were a noticeable distance apart. Leroy and Amos occasionally cast curious glances in their direction, trying to discern whether the distance between the couple was genuine or merely for show. It was important to know.

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Their stance on war largely depended on the Hell Monarch, as everyone believed that with the apparent affection between him and his wife, Rafael would do everything possible to avoid conflict, especially for the sake of Dominic.

It was clear that Salvador didn’t want war either. Without the massacre of villagers and the killing of war prisoners on the record, it would be hard to justify an immediate shift to war if negotiations stalled. Such an abrupt escalation would seem unreasonable, likely sparking public outrage.

But what did the Hell Monarch have to fear? Public discontent wouldn’t be aimed at him. It would target Salvador. The other nations and tribes would call the king incompetent and ineffective, but the Hell Monarch would come through unscathed.

In fact, war was far more advantageous for Rafael, especially if he harbored ambitions of taking Salvador’s place.

Reclaiming his military power would only serve his goals, with no real downside. As for marital affection, that was debatable. After all, Carissa was a woman who had wed and divorced once, and was not someone worth holding in particularly high regard.

Midway through the banquet, Leroy, who had been drinking heavily, stood up, claiming he needed to relieve himself. He motioned for Icarus to accompany him.

Derek arranged for Galen to guide them to the restroom. Upon arriving at the designated room, Leroy waved Galen away, instructing him to wait at a distance while he allowed Icarus to assist him inside.

Knowing his superior likely had something to discuss, Icarus only spoke up once they were alone, asking, “Mr. Stellwyn, is there something you wish to speak of?”

Leroy narrowed his eyes. “Commander Icarus, I couldn’t help but notice that the Hell Monarch seems indifferent toward his princess consort. Do you feel the same way?”

“It’s hard to say,” Icarus answered, unsure.

A sharp coldness flickered in Leroy’s gaze, almost like the glint of a blade. “Test it.”

“Test it? How?” Icarus asked, confused.

Leroy had already planned his course of action before coming to the restroom. He leaned in close to Icarus and whispered a few instructions.

After listening, Icarus was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed. “But… I’ve heard that Carissa is quite skilled in martial arts, and we’re currently in Starhaven’s capital. Won’t this be too risky?”

Leroy scoffed dismissively. “How strong can one woman be? You’re the strongest warrior in Westhaven. Don’t tell me you can’t handle one woman.”