Chapter 1106

At Carissa's words, Wayne and Fiona's expressions shifted subtly, as if surprised by her denial that the woman was Violet. Carissa turned to Fiona, changing the subject. "Your earlier comments were peculiar, Lady Fiona. Why should I thank you? What is this woman's connection to me?"

Fiona stiffened, faltering. "Well... then, Your Grace, you have even less reason to hold His Highness hostage. We are all family, and this scene benefits no one."

Carissa offered a cold smile. "Then I apologize. This appears to be a misunderstanding." She didn't release Yuvan, her gaze fixed on Fiona. "However, why were those men in black near the western mountain pass? Are they from Prince Yuvan's household?"

"Yes, they escorted His Highness back to the capital. Edgeview Estate couldn't accommodate them all, so they were stationed outside the city," Fiona replied.

Wayne started to speak, but Carissa interrupted. "They've been outside the city this whole time. How did they know Violet? Judging by their martial arts skills, are they estate guards? Why are they dressed in black? Is something amiss?"

Fiona's face tightened under Carissa's relentless questioning. Wayne shot Fiona a reproving glance before attempting to redirect the conversation. "Your Grace, perhaps it's time to release His Highness."

Yuvan, held by the neck, had been subjected to cycles of near-suffocation, leaving him dizzy and lightheaded.

"Of course, I will release him," Carissa said calmly, her smile unchanged, though she remained motionless. Her eyes narrowed, regaining composure. "You've gathered here at night, with numerous people, not at an inn or post station. While on a main road, this is still remote, and the nearby garrison outpost raises questions about your intentions. Surely you didn't anticipate needing to 'rescue' that woman? Let's wait for the Supreme Court and Capital Guard to arrive. A thorough explanation will prevent unnecessary rumors and suspicions."

Without focusing on Violet's situation, Carissa cleverly shifted attention to their suspicious gathering near the garrison outpost. It was a shrewd move—they hadn't stayed at any inns, despite traveling with women. Then, unfamiliar men in black appeared near a military outpost. This setup was ripe for rumors, which could easily spiral out of control. The king and court might not care about a violated woman, but Yuvan gathering troops near a military outpost at night would be a grave matter, demanding attention and scrutiny.

Claire quickly composed herself, crying, "Your Grace, my friend and I discovered their camp. We came to investigate. We didn't expect to be captured! We had no idea of their intentions." It wasn't Violet that mattered, but their apparent amassing of troops with ill intent.

Wayne's face paled, helplessness evident. "If you insist on twisting the truth, Your Grace, there's nothing I can do."

"Of course not," Carissa sneered. "What could you do at this point?"

Yuvan began, "Carissa, you're wrongfully accusing me—" but Carissa tightened her grip on his throat, cutting him off. His breath hitched.

His thwarted plans and repeated humiliations had shattered his pride and composure. Rationality fled. His head tilted back, his eyes flashing with cruel determination. Though his throat was constricted, his hands were free. A dagger slipped from his sleeve, its silver glinting.

Carissa's eyes flickered. Good. This was what she'd been waiting for.

Wayne's face blanched. Before he could react, Yuvan screamed. The dagger had sunk into his abdomen, not deeply, but blood trickled.

"Dad!"

"Your Highness!"

The group gasped. Molly nearly fainted, collapsing against Fiona.

Carissa's voice was glacial. "Your Highness, even without ill intentions, no one would believe you now. You attempted to murder me? I command the Mystic Army, sworn to protect the capital. You gathered troops near the outpost, arousing serious suspicion. I have every right to detain you and bring you to the capital for questioning. Not only did you refuse to cooperate, you dared draw a blade against me?"