Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Kylie glanced at her sharply. “What’s there to be happy about? If His Majesty doesn’t lead the campaign himself, it means the matter of the crown prince is still far off!”
“We must take our time with these things. Nothing is more important than His Majesty’s health right now. There are dangers on all sides internal strife and external threats. Without the king’s presence in the capital, who knows where this kingdom might end up?” Lydia said gently, her tone placating.
Though Lydia’s words held truth, Kylie could not quell the dissatisfaction burning within her. It seemed they were so close, yet so far.
Why did Hell Monarch send his letter now, of all times? Why not wait-even just a day or two later? If the letter had come after Salvador had made his decision to lead the campaign personally and formally named the crown prince, that would have been better.
Even if the crown prince title wasn’t officially granted yet, just mentioning it to the ministers would have made Salvador’s intentions clear. The ministers would know where his favor lay and adjust their loyalties accordingly.
It had been so close-so very close!
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 no way out? You’re so familiar with the Hell Monarch’s princess consort -go to her! Maybe there’s still a chance!”
Zoey shook her head and calmly said, “There’s nothing to be done. Whatever is coming, we must face it.” “How can there be nothing to be done?” Evelyn’s heart raced with fear. “How can you say that without even asking? Go quickly and ask her!”
Caspian’s face was filled with sorrow. “Mom, Zoey’s right. It’s useless to ask anyone now. Our family… It’s over.”
“Impossible! It can’t be,” Evelyn gasped, clutching her chest as if she might collapse at any moment. “Oliver has been stationed at the Southern Frontier for so long. He’s endured hardships. Surely, he must have some merit, right?”
“None,” Zoey said flatly.
She watched her mother-in-law, who was clearly on the brink of collapse, and thought of her children. Her throat tightened, and there was a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Oliver didn’t suffer in the Southern Frontier. In fact, his life was easier there than in the capital. We do have one path left. If he’s caught and executed, we may have a chance to survive.”
Evelyn stared at Zoey in disbelief, as though she couldn’t comprehend the words. “What did you say? Do you actually hope for his execution? He is your husband!”
“How I wish it were not so,” Zoey answered, looking around the room at the faces filled with panic. How innocent they all seemed.
“Where is Viola? She returned after her divorce-she’s a member of the Earl of Silverstone’s family. We should inform her, or else she may end up in prison without knowing what’s happening.”
Caspian gently squeezed Luna’s hand, his voice soft. “We’ve already sent word to her.”
Evelyn still couldn’t bring herself to accept such a hopeless fate. “Someone, think of a way! In the past, you all knew powerful people. Go and ask them-surely someone can speak on our behalf before His Majesty!”
No sooner had she spoken, hurried, disordered footsteps echoed from outside. Servants rushed in, calling urgently, “Madam Zoey, Mr. Caspian! The Royal Citadel’s governor has arrived with his men. He says they are here to seize the estate!”
Evelyn clutched her chest, a sharp pain cutting through her as she slid off her chair. Caspian rushed to catch her, holding her steady.
Her hands pressed against her chest, tears streamed down her face as she wailed, “How could it come to this? How could this happen?!”
Instantly, the main hall was filled with cries.
Zoey held her children tightly, feeling both anger and sorrow. Though she had expected something would go awry, she never imagined it would be this-Oliver fleeing the battlefield just when the war was about to begin.
Perhaps all her efforts had been in vain.
Anthony entered with his guards, his gaze sweeping the room before resting on Zoey’s face.
Zoey forced herself to stand, awaiting the final verdict.
Anthony sighed deeply, then announced loudly, “Take everyone from Silverstone Estate to the dungeons and await further orders. The rest of you, come with me to seize the estate.”
“No!” Evelyn cried, her body giving way as she fainted.
Zoey grasped her children’s hands tightly, her voice trembling with forced calm. “Don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, I’m here. I will stay with you.”
Courtney gripped her mom’s hand in return, her demeanor much steadier and calmer ever since she started attending Gracewood Women’s Academy. “I’m not afraid, Mom.”
Cedric stood tall, his chest out with determination. “I am not afraid, either.”
Zoey pulled them both into a tight embrace, tears falling freely.
They were both trembling-how could they not be scared?
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, sobbing uncontrollably, did she ask, “What’s happened? Why are we here?”
Evelyn was too overcome with emotion to reply coherently.
Viola looked around at her family, a growing unease settling in her chest. She raised her voice, “What’s going on? They’ve brought me here without even telling me what I’ve done wrong! Where is Caspian? Where is Cedric?”
Zoey sat in a corner holding Courtney, her face blank. “Caspian and Cedric are in a different section. They’ve separated the men and women.”
“What’s happened?” Viola’s panic deepened. Was this some kind of disaster for the whole family? Was there no one left to help them?
Luna’s eyes were swollen from crying, and she said hoarsely, “Your eldest brother fled in battle. His Majesty issued an order to imprison our entire family in the prison. The officials from the Royal Citadel have already seized Silverstone Estate.”
Viola stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. After a long pause, her lips trembled as she whispered, “But what does this have to do with me? I’m a married woman.”