Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1370

It wasn't until that moment that Yuvan fully realized the extent of his defeat.

His lips trembled, and his legs gave way as he collapsed to the ground. Panic and fear surged within him. He thought of the tragic fates of past traitors who tried to rebel, and was struck with a deep, bone-chilling coldness.

He had considered the consequences of failure before, but he always thought that if he failed, he would just face death bravely. At worst, he would end his own life to avoid further suffering.

But now, locked in a cold, iron-barred cell with no weapons in hand, he realized how grim things had become. The walls were strong, but he might not die right away even if he charged headfirst into them.

There were guards outside the cell. If he didn't die, he might suffer even more than this.

However, it wasn't the fear of torture that pierced Yuvan the most—it was his unwillingness to accept this fate.

How had it come to this? Even in defeat, he should've had a group of loyal men to stand by him. He had a group of men with him now, but it was clear none of them shared the same purpose. They weren't united in heart, and that realization dug into him like a knife.

His gaze turned to the two men beside him. His voice trembled, though it carried an edge of bitter laughter.

"You two betrayed me, and what good has it done you? Have you found any favor in your new alliance? Will Nicholas come to your rescue?"

Harvey had always feared death, and he now shook uncontrollably as he crawled toward Wayne. Desperation flooded his voice as he gripped Wayne's sleeve. "What's happening outside? Will anyone come to save us? Please—tell me! I'd rather know the truth, even if it means my death."

Wayne's voice, rough and hollow, carried the weariness of someone who had accepted defeat.

"No one is coming. Neither Clifford nor Saul arrived. They might have been ambushed before reaching the city. We've been trapped here for half a month, and news has been slow to reach us. General Murray might have already subdued the chaos and set up an ambush."

Harvey's eyes filled with despair. "How could this have happened? No wonder they surrounded the city without attacking—they were waiting for General Murray to arrive! How did we miscalculate so badly? We should never have relied on Nicholas!"

Wayne closed his eyes. "It's too late to say anything. A victor is a king, and the defeated are just men waiting for death. What's there to fear?"

Chester could destroy their forces if he could, or at least hold his ground. But he chose not to hold, for the battle had gone on too long and caused suffering for the people in the area.

In addition, he had received a royal edict to focus all efforts on wiping out Clifford and Yuvan's private soldiers without worrying about the capital. So, he and Thomas led their forces, pursuing them.

Once Nerovia and Valken had been secured, Everett and the others retreated to the capital.

He and Eustace, along with a group of martial artists and merchant guards, had all changed into the uniforms of the private soldiers. These garments had been found in Nerovia's storerooms.

As Eustace was about the same height and build as Clifford, he wore the mask of Clifford's face, which was freshly made by Winona. The mask didn't feel uncomfortable, even in the heat of July.

In the capital, Nicholas received the carrier pigeon. He tore the red ribbon off and held it tightly in his hand, his eyes burning with untamed fury.

He had always known Clifford would succeed. Over the years, not a single one of his plans had failed.