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At Hell Monarch Estate, Jacob had been busy all day in the study. Everything for the night’s arrangements had been meticulously prepared, and now, he awaited the final outcome.
Sophie and Violet were on standby. They were unwilling to go anywhere else, and Kyle was with them. He had made it clear he didn’t intend to depart after arriving at the estate.
The assassins dispatched for tonight’s task were a select group of highly skilled individuals. They were unknown to Sophie. They rarely made public appearances, and certainly wouldn’t be seen at Hell
Monarch Estate.
As for the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit, Jacob had yet to reach out to them.
Rafael must have coordinated with Michael beforehand. Jacob’s earlier frenzy stemmed from concerns related to Daniel’s family, and he had been running errands all over.
Surprisingly, Jacob and the others were unconcerned about what would happen in Harmony Palace tonight. With the assassins on the move, they would surely breach the dungeons.
Given the many high priests attending the sacred ceremony at Harmony Palace, the Capital Guards and the Garrison Unit would likely be heavily focused on guarding the area. When the assassins were spotted, the people Jacob had in place would cause a commotion and draw the Capital Guards and Garrison. Unit’s attention.
Once inside Harmony Palace, the assassins would head for the dungeon. They knew the residence’s layout and where the dungeon entrance was, so they would lead everyone straight in.
However, Sophie was puzzled by something. The queen dowager had sent food offerings to support Eleanor, drawing a large crowd. Victoria wouldn’t act so arbitrarily. In all the years Sophie had known her, she had never done anything like this.
The only one who might orchestrate such an arrangement was Salvador.
With Janice having been sent back to the Royal Management Department for questioning, it was only a matter of time before she revealed Eleanor’s involvement. Was Salvador’s heightened attention on tonight’s ceremony a result of this?
But what could such attention accomplish? It would merely attract more people.
After pondering it for a while, Sophie asked, “Is the goal to draw in those closely associated with Grand Princess Eleanor? After all, she wouldn’t invite them if she had no established relationships with them.”
Jacob frowned. “I worry that the king might suspect something significant is set to happen at Harmony Palace tonight. While your theory is a possibility, I suspect His Majesty’s true intention is to uncover what secrets Harmony Palace holds.”
“Is it possible he knows about our plans?” Violet asked in surprise.
“Hard to say,” Jacob replied as he turned to Violet. “His Majesty isn’t only suspicious, but also a mystery. It’s also hard to determine if he has people lurking in Hell Monarch Estate. We’ve repeatedly screened for spies, but our checks won’t help if someone is buried deep enough.”
“Even if he does,” Sophie replied, “it wouldn’t be surprising. At least when we discuss this, no one else is around. It’s just the four of us who know.”
Kyle interjected, “Intuition! I’ve had private conversations with the king. He’s elever and perceptive.”
“Intuition?” Sophie echoed, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes. It’s a ruler’s intuition,” Kyle said. “You might not believe it, but those in power possess a unique sense of perception. Of course, this intuition doesn’t come from nowhere??t’s pieced together from various bits of information.”
Jacob nodded. “You should also be aware of the recent unrest among the citizens, Lady Sophie. The people are clamoring for a shrine to be built for Prince Rafael. Even though we’ve sent people to sing Hist Majesty’s praises to mix in some praises for him alongside His Highness, I’m sure His Majesty is displeased.”
Sophie nodded. “Plus, Janice’s situation comes at a precarious time. My uncle’s wife and children have gone missing too. All these events, combined with tonight’s ceremony at Harmony Palace, might lead him to believe the public outcry was orchestrated… If so, he might suspect someone is planning something.”
“Exactly!” Jacob chuckled. “If that’s the case, it’s a good thing. Even if he knows Grand Princess Eleanor and her people initiated tonight’s activities, the outcome will only confirm for His Majesty that His Highness doesn’t like the praise coming from outside, nor does he wish for a shrine. He might even expose the issue within Harmony Palace and remind His Majesty that his true concerns shouldn’t lie with the Hell Monarch’s household, but rather with others.”
“And since you two married, the Hell Monarch’s household has been following the rules. No arrogance, no forming cliques, and certainly no excessive dealings with powerful families. The king’s wariness towards you should have eased somewhat,” Kyle added.
Violet turned to Sophie. “Well, they do have a point. Men surely understand men.”
When the clock struck eight, the assassins made their move.
A row of figures dressed in black silently descended upon Harmony Palace, swords at the ready. The priests were reciting their prayers in the main courtyard. By then, the noblewomen had finished burning their copies of the scriptures. Now, some were writing while others continued to chant prayers.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the stillness of the night. The ladies fell silent, their voices abruptly cut off.
“Assassins!”
The cry sliced through the air like a dagger, echoing heavily in Eleanor’s heart. She was right in the main courtyard, yet hadn’t seen any attackers.
That meant the assassins must have infiltrated the inner and back courtyards of Harmony Palace.
As she prepared to rush outside, Rosalind stood up and seized her arm. “There are assassins out there, Grand Princess Eleanor! It’s too dangerous!”
“Let go of me!” Eleanor spun around with a look fierce enough to shock everyone present.
Panic spread among the crowd, but the high priests and a few of the older noblewomen remained remarkably calm.
“The guards will handle the assassins, Grand Princess Eleanor. Do not put yourself at risk. We should continue with our Zane said steadily.
Eleanor turned to the Spirit Elder, who was seated on the platform. His head was lowered in a gesture of compassion and devotion, yet his eyes flickered with intensity.
Realization struck Eleanor as she heard guards rushing toward the back. Her heart lurched.
Sophie’s plan wasn’t on the fifteenth
It was happening tonight!
She had deceived Henry and tricked Janice.
Sophie had sent those assassins. What was she planning? Was she going to storm the dungeons to rescue Carmen’s mother?
The dungeons!
A wave of dread washed over Eleanor. Ignoring the protests, she bolted toward the western courtyard.
The assassins were already engaged in a fierce battle with the palace guards and soldiers. Kurt had dispatched some household soldiers to protect the high priests and the noblewomen, ensuring they wouldn’t be harmed in Harmony Palace.
Molly trembled as she turned to Fiona for answers. “Why are there assassins here? I’m terrified! Should we run?”
Fiona glanced outside at the numerous soldiers guarding the perimeters outside and replied, “Running now would be even more dangerous. Who knows whom they’re targeting?”
Many people had considered fleeing, but Fiona’s words caused them to hesitate. With so many palace soldiers around, they were safer here than on the streets. Besides, they hadn’t seen any assassins nearby. It was clear they weren’t the intended targets.
Irene led the way to continue the prayers, and the other older ladies quickly followed suit. The autumn wind blew outside, which sounded eerily like walls.
The sounds of the struggle gradually reached them, the clash of blades accompanied by shouts
“Assassins! Assassins!”
In the darkness, two figures burst through the main door and shouted, “Help! Assassins! There are assassins!”