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Rafael replied, “Your Majesty, she is still a grand princess. The royal family is exempt from such methods in public investigations.”
Salvador’s voice turned icy, “Issue an edict to revoke her grand princess title and expel her from the royal family. Make her a commoner!”
“Understood!” Derek hurried off to have the edict drafted.
Rafael added, “Your Majesty, the other two ledgers detail the concubines abducted for Henry over the years. There were more than 180 women, with over a hundred murdered. Currently, only about 40 are still alive. All the boys born to them were killed in various ways, while the girls were raised to be integrated into noble families. Investigating this will take considerable effort.”
Salvador took the ledger and began reading, horrified by the revelations. The thought of treason was one thing, but such madness and cruelty were another. Such a person from the royal family was a disgrace to the entire lineage.
“Issue a directive to Royal Citadel’s governor, Anthony Klein, to assist the Capital Guard in investigating these cases. We must ensure justice for both the deceased and the living, as well as their families,” said the king, seething.
Since the night of the Emberfest Festival, after Molly and Fiona returned home and shared what happened at Harmony Palace, Yuvan had been consumed by anxiety.
He didn’t need Wayne to advise him. He understood that it was crucial not to leave the capital for Valken at such a critical moment. Otherwise, it would be like declaring his guilt. Wayne advised him to focus on his duties in the palace, feigning ignorance about everything that had transpired. Those Yuvan had brought to the capital had to remain low and not do anything.
On the surface, Yuvan maintained a calm demeanor; inside, he was a whirlpool of turmoil. He wanted to gather information but had no way to do so. He knew that those who had been closely involved with Eleanor were all on edge, and his status as a prince made things even more delicate.
After considering his options, the only person he could potentially glean information from was Molly, whose cousin, Violet, resided at Hell Monarch Estate and was Sophie’s close friend.
So, before entering the palace to care for Ruth today, Yuvan went to Molly’s chambers.
“You don’t have any acquaintances in the capital, and imagine this time has been quite dull for you. I recall you have a cousin at Hell Monarch Estate. You should visit her more often, have some conversations, and subtly inquire about the case involving Grand Princess Eleanor. Just make sure it doesn’t raise any suspicions.”
Although Molly didn’t fully grasp the gravity of Yuvan’s treasonous plans, she sensed he was hiding something from her. The events of that night still frightened her.
“Your Highness, if Grand Princess Eleanor is involved in treason, it’s probably best if we don’t get entangled in her affairs.”
Yuvan’s expression darkened slightly as he replied, “It’s precisely because it’s a grave charge that we need to find out more. After all, she is my sister and was raised alongside me. If anything were to happen, it could implicate us. We need to gather information so we can prepare for any potential fallout.”
Reluctantly, Molly conceded, “Alright, I’ll visit her today
“Remember, don’t ask directly. Use subtle hints instead,” Yuvan reminded her.
“Understood, I’ll keep that in mind.”
However, Molly didn’t make any effort to seek out Violet after Yuvan left for the palace.
She knew this was her chance to win favor with Yuvan and overshadow Fiona, but it also wasn’t exactly a good opportunity. Her cousin was difficult to deal with Violet often acted superior and had given Molly nothing but cold shoulders during their previous encounters. Even strangers would at least nod in acknowledgment, but Violet wouldn’t even do that.
So, despite promising Yuvan she would seek out Violet, Molly decided against it.
Before entering the palace, Yuvan had naturally exchanged words with Fiona. She was equally anxious, unsure of the current situation, and afraid that Eleanor would expose the involvement of Yuvan and his family.
Fiona was desperate to learn more. It was already past five in the evening, and when she found Molly still at home, she approached her.
However, the maid informed her that Molly was napping. Fiona’s face turned a deep shade of red in frustration and she snapped at the maid, “Go inform her that Prince Yuvan wants to know if she has visited Ms. Spencer.”
Molly was enjoying a peaceful sleep when Fiona’s loud entrance jolted her awake, leaving her quite displeased. Upon hearing it was Yuvan’s command, she reluctantly got up to deal with the situation, instructing someone to bring Fiona in.
As soon as Fiona entered the room, she exclaimed, “Why haven’t you left yet, Lady Molly? The prince has already sent someone to ask about it.”
Molly replied tersely, “My cousin isn’t idle in Hell Monarch Estate. Given the gravity of this situation and the Supreme Court’s involvement, she’s certainly busy attending to matters. I wouldn’t be able to see her if I went in the middle of the day. It would be best to wait until tomorrow morning.”
Fiona’s anxiety flared at her words. “But His Highness wants you to go today! You can’t put it off until tomorrow! The situation changes rapidly, and knowing something a little earlier can make all the difference.”
Molly shot Fiona an annoyed look. “What does a rapidly changing situation have to do with us? We’re not involved in the treason. We’re merely trying to gather information. It’s not like we’re in a life??r??eath situation. Besides, didn’t I already say? Violet is likely not at home during the day.”
Fiona was exasperated by Molly’s indifference, but she was unable to explain her urgency.
“How do you know she’s not there if you haven’t even gone? You should at least make the effort. Even if she isn’t home, it’ll give you something to tell His Highness later. Otherwise, he might blame you for it.”
Molly replied coldly, “I am the prince’s wife. There’s no question of blame between us. But if this matter is troubling him, I will take it seriously. Get a carriage ready. I’ll leave right away.”
Seeing her willingness to go, Fiona didn’t care how condescending Molly’s tone was. Fiona hurried outside to call for the carriage.
As soon as Molly stepped out, she spotted Sophie approaching with a large contingent of Capital Guards. At first, Molly didn’t recognize Sophie, but after a moment of scrutiny, she identified her.
Sophie was accompanied by Michael and a dozen guards, and she had made a grand entrance. Their show of force was deliberate, as they intended to interrogate several noblewomen and titled ladies. It was essential for Sophie to make a statement, to show that if she could confront Yuvan and his household with such authority, then the other noble families could expect nothing less in terms of respect. If she didn’t create a similar spectacle for the other families, it would appear as though they were being treated with leniency. This approach would not only avoid offending them but might also earn their gratitude.
Molly saw their entrance into Edgeview Estate and barked, “What do you think you’re doing? How dare you! This is Prince Yuvan’s residence!”
Michael stepped forward and said loudly, “The Capital Guard is here under the king’s orders to assist the Supreme Court in investigating the treason case against Eleanor. We have some questions for Lady Molly and Lady Fiona.”
Molly was taken aback. “What business do you have at Edgeview Estate regarding a treason investigation? There’s nothing to discuss! Just go back,”
“Are you trying to defy the king’s command, Lady Molly?” Sophie said icily.
Fiona rushed out from the main hall, her face paling at Sophie’s words. She quickly said, “Since it’s the king’s command, please come in at once.”
Looking up, she finally noticed Sophie was wearing official attire. Though she wasn’t aware of any other news, she knew that Sophie was now the commander of the Mystic Army.
“Oh, so it’s you, Commander Devin! What a surprise,” Fiona said with a forced smile before turning to Molly. “Quickly, call the children to come out.”
Upon returning to the capital, Yuvan had formally bestowed the title of heir apparent upon Fiona’s son, Lucian Sanford.
As for Randall, the son of the late Avis, he was granted the title of county duke. Randall was Yuvan’s eldest son, born of a concubine who had died, and he had been raised by Avis. Despite having assumed the status of a direct descendent instead of a concubine’s son, Randall had no hope of being named heir, especially given the tragic circumstances surrounding Avis’ death.
Fiona welcomed Sophie and the Capital Guards Inside to avoid saying too much at the gates, where prying eyes from other residences might catch wind of the situation and fuel unnecessary speculation. She called for Sabrina and Stephanie, along with Randall. Fiona hoped that since Avis was Sophie’s maternal aunt, Sophie would be lenient toward Yuvan’s household.
Fiona knew Yuvan would be under suspicion, but at least they were only here to ask questions, not to haul anyone away. There was no evidence linking Yuvan’s household to Eleanor’s alleged treason, meaning Eleanor hadn’t implicated them yet.
Once in the main room, Sophie, Michael, and the others took their seats. They had brought along a scribe from the Capital Guard office to record the proceedings. Before any questions could be posed, Randall entered with Sabrina and Stephanie.
The two county duchesses had never been particularly close to their mom, Avis, and they were even less fond of Sophie. Upon entering, they sat down without acknowledging anyone.
However, Randall nodded slightly to Sophie and greeted her.
Sophie nodded in return. “Everyone, please take a seat I’m here on official business. You’ll answer my questions as they come.”
Stephanie furrowed her brow, her expression icy. “What kind of business is this? Are you trying to make a name for yourself by bullying our family now that you’re an official?”
“Stephanie, just listen to Commander Devin and answer what she asks,” Fiona interjected, giving her a pointed look. “She’s your cousin. She won’t make things difficult for you.”