Chapter 1310

Before Caspian arrived at the Royal Citadel, he had already broken the devastating news to his family at Silverstone Estate. Oliver's desertion, with a critical battle imminent, had shattered army morale and ignited a whirlwind of rumors. If they lost the war, the Earl of Silverstone's family faced utter annihilation. Even victory wouldn't guarantee their safety; confiscation of titles, house arrest, or exile were all likely outcomes.

Evelyn nearly fainted. Regaining her composure, she turned to Zoey, her eyes filled with desperate hope. In the past, Zoey had always found a way. Now, Evelyn pinned her hopes on her again. But this time, Zoey offered only silence—a quietude that revealed nothing. There was no shock on her face, as if she had foreseen this.

Evelyn's voice trembled. "Is there no way out? You know the Hell Monarch's princess consort—go to her! Maybe there's still a chance!"

Zoey shook her head. "There's nothing to be done. Whatever comes, we must face it."

"How can there be nothing to be done?" Evelyn's heart pounded. "How can you say that without even trying? Go and ask her!"

Sorrow etched Caspian's face. "Mom, Zoey's right. It's useless. Our family… it's over."

"Impossible!" Evelyn gasped, clutching her chest. "Oliver has endured hardships at the Southern Frontier for so long. Surely, he has some merit?"

"None," Zoey stated flatly.

Watching her mother-in-law teeter on the brink of collapse, Zoey thought of her children. A bitter taste filled her mouth. "Oliver's life at the Southern Frontier was easier than in the capital. We have one path left. If he's caught and executed, we might survive."

Evelyn stared, incredulous. "What did you say? You hope for his execution? He's your husband!"

"I wish it weren't so," Zoey replied, her gaze sweeping the room. "Where is Viola? She returned after her divorce—she's family. We must inform her, or she'll be imprisoned unaware."

Caspian gently squeezed Luna's hand. "We've already sent word."

Evelyn still refused to accept their fate. "Someone, think of a way! You all knew powerful people. Go and ask them—surely someone can intercede with His Majesty!"

Her words were cut short by hurried footsteps outside. Servants burst in, shouting, "Madam Zoey, Mr. Caspian! The Royal Citadel's governor has arrived with his men. They're here to seize the estate!"

Evelyn clutched her chest, collapsing from the sharp pain. Caspian caught her. Tears streamed down her face as she cried, "How could this happen?!" The hall erupted in wails.

Zoey held her children close, anger and sorrow warring within her. She had anticipated trouble, but never Oliver's desertion on the eve of battle. Perhaps all her efforts had been for naught.

Anthony entered with his guards, his gaze settling on Zoey. She stood, awaiting the verdict.

He sighed, then announced, "Take everyone from Silverstone Estate to the dungeons. The rest of you, come with me to seize the estate."

"No!" Evelyn cried, fainting.

Zoey grasped her children's hands, her voice steady. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I will stay with you."

Courtney, her demeanor calmer since attending Gracewood Women's Academy, gripped her mother's hand. "I'm not afraid, Mom."

Cedric stood tall. "I am not afraid, either."

Zoey embraced them, tears flowing freely. They were trembling, of course.