Chapter 1061

Yuna continued massaging Lisandra's scalp, then asked softly, "Your Highness, General Stellwyn has agreed to a troop withdrawal. How do you plan to handle Penny?"

"Are you pleading for her?"

Yuna hesitated. "She attempted to harm you, Your Highness, an unforgivable crime. But court women are few, and Penny had potential. Those of our… station may not get another chance. Could you grant her another opportunity?"

Lisandra's gaze was glacial. "She has no chance left."

"She only sought to avenge Prince Arthur—"

"Yuna Rutherford!" Lisandra pushed Yuna's hand away. "If you truly believe her position is so hard-won, you shouldn't plead for her. Do you remember our struggle? One misstep ruins everything. Even a small mistake invites ruin, especially for her—she should have been far more cautious!

"She should have considered the consequences. The path for female officials is arduous; carelessness brings disrespect. But she lost sight of the larger picture, focusing on revenge and jeopardizing Westhaven. She risked lives—for a petty grudge? Arthur would be disappointed."

"She acted out of hatred, not strategy, prioritizing revenge above all else. She risked harming me to provoke war, believing it would settle her grievances. Where would Westhaven's supplies come from in a war? Is she suggesting we recruit peasants, as the king angrily proposed? One cannot let emotions dictate actions and expect greatness!"

Yuna considered Westhaven's condition. Could they withstand a full-scale war? She knelt immediately. "My failure to foresee this."

Lisandra sighed. "Starhaven won't start a war; Westhaven already struggles internally. We can't add foreign conflict. Let the people have peace. How many barely feed themselves? Strategy is vital, but stabilizing our land is paramount."

"Yes, Your Highness," Yuna replied, understanding her plea stemmed from camaraderie.

Lisandra closed her eyes, weary, yet her mind remained sharp. A tight band felt constricted around her head, adding to her discomfort.

"Your Highness, will you go tomorrow?"

"No. I won't see her again." Lisandra gestured for Yuna to leave. She needed rest.

"Understood, Your Highness. I take my leave." Yuna bowed and departed.

Aurora remained locked in Warhawk Keep's dungeon—damp, dark, sunlightless. On days without visitors, the blackness was absolute, even during the day.

She saw light only twice daily, when guards brought food. Though often spoiled, she ate it all, needing strength while awaiting Barrett.

She never doubted his arrival. Her stubborn heart believed. That belief sustained her; without it, she would have crumbled.

The heavy iron door creaked open, light flooding in. Aurora's heart sank. Why now? They came only twice daily, for meals. Was this an execution?

She lay on the cold stone. Since arriving in Fawnrun City, her tendons had been severed. Daily, she crawled like a beaten dog in the dark, damp dungeon.

Aurora lifted her head to see a woman approaching with a lantern. Only one. Relief washed over her.

Yuna stood before the bars, looking down. The lamp's harsh light illuminated Aurora's bloodstained face, accentuating its wretchedness.

"Aurora, the Grand Princess has given orders. Tomorrow, you'll be taken to Grapevine and Melondrop Villages. Do you remember them?"