Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 945

When Lisandra returned to Concord Lodge, she realized that neither Leroy nor Icarus had come back. A sense of unease gripped her heart; she felt that something had gone terribly wrong.

Her uncle, Leroy, was the most reckless and troublesome member of the Stellwyn family. It wasn't that he lacked ability—on the contrary, he was bold and skilled—but his arrogance and impulsive, reckless behavior often led him to act without thinking.

Lisandra turned to one of the female officials, Penny Durham, and ordered sharply in a firm tone, "Bring Amos to me! Immediately!"

Amos was one of Westhaven's Secretaries of State and also Leroy's brother-in-law. The two had been in close discussion throughout the journey, so he certainly knew what Leroy and Icarus had planned for tonight.

After returning to his room, Amos had been waiting for news. He knew exactly what Leroy was up to. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Everything had been carefully arranged. When Amos had last seen Leroy, the mission was already half-complete, with the latter successfully luring the Hell Monarch away.

Once Rafael was out of the way, capturing Carissa would be easy. After all, when they came tonight, the couple had only brought a coachman and a maid with them. As long as the prince was out of the picture, it didn't matter how skilled Carissa was in martial arts. She would have no chance against Icarus and the elite suicide soldiers Harvey had dispatched.

The operation was bound to succeed.

"Mr. Bailey, Her Highness requests your presence," came Penny's voice from outside the door.

Amos stood up and opened the door. While this plan had been kept secret from Lisandra, now that it was in motion and sure to succeed, it was time to inform her.

The grand princess had always been against starting a war. She only wanted justice from Starhaven, but the truth could only be revealed on the battlefield. Without military action, how could they renegotiate borders or receive the apologies and reparations they were owed?

Amos followed Penny into the side hall where Lisandra resided. Under the dim light, the grand princess' expression was cold and stern, a far cry from the gentle demeanor she had shown at the palace banquet earlier that evening.

Without waiting for his greeting, Lisandra's voice cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory, "Where are Leroy and Icarus? What are you lot plotting behind my back?"

Amos bowed and answered, "Your Highness, Mr. Stellwyn is responsible for luring the Hell Monarch away, while Commander Icarus and the suicide soldiers are tasked with capturing Lady Carissa."

Her anger evident, Lisandra responded sharply, "I came to Starhaven to seek justice, not to bring about war. Do you think the only way to achieve justice is through bloodshed and destruction? You all sit comfortably in your high positions, throwing around the idea of war like it's nothing. Why don't I see any of you charging into battle, fighting as soldiers?"

Amos didn't show her the same respect he would have in Westhaven. Instead, he sneered and said, "I'm a civil official, Your Highness. Of course, I can't fight on the frontlines. But Mr. Stellwyn can. During the battle at Victory Pass, he led the campaign, forcing the Sullivan Army to retreat. He even nearly killed General Sullivan."

His words made it clear, despite the subtlety, that he was pushing Lisandra to see things his way. His attitude only reinforced the suspicion that Edmund was orchestrating this entire scheme behind the scenes.

Edmund had agreed to the negotiations outwardly, but had never truly given up on the idea of war.

Lisandra's face paled. She sighed heavily, her voice filled with weariness as she spoke, "I've warned you all time and again—never underestimate your enemy. Over the years, my dad and I have worked tirelessly to bring stability to the kingdom. But none of you care about the people.

"Have you seen the national treasury's records? The famine last year—did you see the devastation? A desire for revenge could lead to the people suffering, being displaced, starving, or even resorting to cannibalism. Those of you in power sit comfortably in your positions, indifferent to the lives of the common folk. In your hands, Westhaven will eventually collapse."