Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
To Nicholas, the land had no value. All he cared about was the throne.
“You alone are a traitor. Don’t you dare use my name to further your ambitions! You thought of a good plan, didn’t you? The common people will call me the traitor, the rebel who plotted to overthrow the throne. Throughout history, I’ll be remembered as the man who betrayed the kingdom. You’ll make yourself look clean, all while gaining a reputation for being a devoted son.”
Hayden knew his son better than anyone.
Nicholas was a man who spoke of benevolence and righteousness, but whose actions threatened the very foundation of the nation.
If he were truly so devoted, Nicholas would have listened to Hayden. He would have obediently remained a county duke and lived a life of idle wealth and leisure without care.
“Say whatever you wish, Dad. You likely will never understand this act of devotion of mine. Rest assured, Violet and the others will be allowed to leave safely,” Nicholas said calmly.
Hayden’s fury flared. “Dare you prevent them from leaving? I’ll expose your schemes to the world!”
His eyes burned with rage.
Nicholas simply smiled, unruffled.
“Even if you expose me, it would make no difference. The king already knows about me, and the checkpoints in the capital are tightly controlled. They’re just waiting for me to enter the city. They hope the riverworks project will be completed, and the Royal Astronomer has forecasted heavy rains this year. The river channels are essential. Besides, once you ascend to the throne, this will be a political achievement for you-something to gain the respect of the world.”
The fire in Hayden’s gaze seemed to scorch him. “You’re well-prepared, but you won’t succeed.”
Nicholas’ smile never faltered. “What use is preparation? The true generals are already on the battlefield. Do you really think a woman could stop me?”
Hayden did not let Nicholas’ casual dismissal of Sophie ease his thoughts. In fact, it only made his concern deepen. Nicholas never underestimated his enemies. Even someone like Yuvan, whom he considered a fool, had been handled With great care.
Nicholas had taken painstaking efforts to infiltrate Yuvan’s forces, turning Yuvan’s core people into loyalists-bit by bit, until there was nothing left.
In a sudden fit of rage, Hayden hurled his cup at Nicholas. “Get out!”
Nicholas didn’t flinch, allowing it to strike him. He gave a resigned smile, wiping his cheek as he said calmly, “Very well, Dad. You should rest. I’ll take my leave.”
Hayden glared at him, the mocking smile on his son’s face only making him feel sicker. “Aren’t you worried I’ll reveal your true identity to Ms. Spencer? To Lady Sophie?”
Nicholas shook his head, a note of pity in his voice.
“You won’t do that. If you were going to, you would have done it already.
You spent so many years in Nerovia, treating its people like your own children. You would never want the forces of Yuvan’s rebellion to ravage the people there. I’ll ignore the subtle hints you’ve given to Violet, but I trust there won’t be another instance of it.”
Hayden’s face drained of color, fury rising within him like a storm.
“Leave. Get out. Now!”
Nicholas gave a final, mocking smile before taking his leave, the door closing softly behind him.
Hayden stood frozen, staring at the shards of his broken cup scattered on the floor. The pieces weren’t particularly sharp, but they were enough to tear through skin, perhaps even slit a wrist.
Slowly, he bent down and picked up a fragment. His mind was lost in a haze of dark thoughts. Before he could move further, a hand gripped his wrist, pulling him back sharply.
“Be careful, Your Highness. You’ll cut yourself.”
The sudden pain in his wrist was sharp as the grip tightened. The shard was swiftly taken from his hand. The man who had appeared was dressed in black, his silhouette swallowed by the shadows, as if part of the darkness itself.
Hayden had no idea how many people like this were in his household. Everywhere he went, the sense of being watched clung to him.
These people were more than just skilled. Their martial arts were advanced, and their inner force was formidable. They wielded weapons and hidden blades with frightening precision. Even when Hayden was with Violet and the others, the pressure never let up.
He had hoped Violet and the others might sense the presence of these watchers, but it was hopeless. They were like ghosts-silent, invisible, and untouchable.
Yuvan’s suicide soldiers were nothing compared to these people.
When the man released Hayden’s wrist, Hayden could already see the dark bruises taking shape where the fingers had been. He was powerless, even when it came to his own death. Despair flooded through him as he sank to the floor.
The man in black showed no concern and disappeared into the darkness.
The next day, Violet and the others prepared to leave Willowbrook Estate. Before departing, Violet took the time to say her farewells, one by one. She thanked Hayden, Chaya, Sonny, and lastly, Gordon. Standing before Gordon, she smiled warmly. “While we were staying at the manor, the hardest work fell on you. You took care of everything-food, drinks… When I have more time, I’ll invite Prince Hayden and all of you to the Glimmering Tower for a meal.”
Gordon, his back slightly hunched, smiled humbly. “Please don’t mention it, Ms. Spencer. It’s our duty. You should not trouble yourself over such things.”
Violet waved her hand casually, her smile bright. “No trouble at all! It’ll be a pleasure. You’re doing us a great favor.”
Gordon thanked her repeatedly, smiling as he saw them out of the gate.
As Violet turned to leave, she glanced back and saw Hayden standing in the morning light. He didn’t have a smile on his face at first, but when she turned, he forced a smile.
Something about him seemed different today. He looked more worn than usual, the signs of a sleepless night evident in his eyes.
Violet couldn’t help herself and ran back. “Take care of yourself, Your Highness. You should throw that pipe away.”
Hayden’s gaze lingered on her. He seemed to want to say something, to impart some kind of message, but he knew the rules. Some things could be hinted at, but others had to be said outright. He remained silent, his expression heavy with unspoken thoughts.
He made one last effort and said, “Don’t worry, Gordon and Chaya will keep an eye on me.”
Violet returned his smile, her eyes twinkling. “Good, then I can rest easy.”
The three of them rode off, laughing and chatting loudly about the amusing little things they had noticed during their stay at Willowbrook Estate. They spoke of which dish was the best, which flower bloomed the most beautifully, and how wonderful it would be if a pavilion could be built in the middle of the pond.
Their conversation only came to a halt when they reached Hell Monarch Estate. They dismounted and handed their horses to the stableman, then quickly headed inside without a second glance.
When they had originally followed Hayden out, they hadn’t suspected Gordon, so they weren’t as alert. But this time, all three of them felt as if someone had been watching their backs the moment they mounted their horses.
It was unsettling.
They thought they could see Sophie if they left early, but they learned that she had already left for the Capital Guard headquarters at dawn.
So, they told Jacob and Kyle that they had an unsettling feeling about Gordon. They believed his martial arts might be more than it seemed.
Violet turned to Bun and Cynthia, her expression serious. “There’s something else I’m wondering if you two noticed. When we left, I told Prince Hayden to stop smoking his pipe. He said that Gordon and Chaya would be watching him. That can’t just be my imagination. He meant it literally.”
Cynthia paused, trying to remember. “I think he did say that. But Chaya should be fine, don’t you think?” Bun nodded slowly. “Chaya should be harmless, but when he mentioned Gordon, that raised a red flag. It makes me wonder if Prince Hayden was trying to warn us about something.”
Violet agreed, her face hardening. “Yes, it’s highly likely. I can’t shake the feeling that Gordon is no simple man. It also felt like we were being watched on our way back.”