Chapter 1314

Six days had passed since the Earl of Silverstone's family was imprisoned, and Zoey had shed not a single tear. But in Carissa's presence, her eyes reddened. Quickly averting her gaze, she whispered, her voice breaking, "Thank you, Your Grace, for visiting a prisoner like me."

Carissa observed Zoey, clad in coarse prison garb, her disheveled hair obscuring a dirt-stained face. The dignified woman she once knew was barely recognizable.

"You have suffered, Madam Zoey," Carissa said softly.

Zoey quickly composed herself. "I'm not concerned for myself," she replied, "but I fear for the children. Your Grace, what does His Majesty intend to do with us? Will we be executed?"

Carissa gently guided her to a seat. "If His Majesty wished to execute you in anger, he would have already done so. He intends to use you to draw Mr. Prince back. If he surrenders, your punishment will be lessened."

Zoey shook her head. "Impossible. He will never surrender."

"He may not, but we are doing everything possible to bring him to justice." Carissa opened her bundle, revealing a packet of medicine which she placed before Zoey. "Do not worry about the outside world. Focus on protecting yourself. My senior guild member has sent people to find Mr. Prince, and Isaac is working on your behalf in secret. The medicine and food you distributed earlier have had a positive effect, and many commoners are now speaking out for you."

Overwhelmed, Zoey wept openly. "Thank you, Your Grace, and thank you to my brother-in-law. I am truly grateful."

For days, a burning fire had consumed her heart. Zoey loathed Oliver, her hatred a consuming force. She maintained her composure only for the children's sake. Oliver's crime—desertion and undermining army morale—seemed unforgivable. Yet, Carissa's efforts rekindled a flicker of hope.

"I've labeled all these medicines," Carissa said, stowing the remaining packet. "I hope you won't need them. I'll send this batch to Cedric and the others. Don't worry. Deputy Commander Kimber won't be overly harsh. Just remain calm, avoid any scenes, and refrain from defiance or anger."

"How are Caspian and Cedric?" Zoey asked, wiping away her tears, her voice laced with worry.

"They are both fine. You need not worry." Carissa gently adjusted Zoey's hair. She felt something crawling on her hand and subtly brushed it away—lice. The prison teemed with them—rats, lice, and woodlice.

Upon closer inspection, Carissa noticed red, swollen bites covering Zoey's neck and hands.

"I can't provide additional food or clothing, only medicine for critical situations. I also have some ointment for the lice bites."

"Thank you… thank you so much!" Zoey's voice trembled. Her greatest fear had been prison illness, but the medicine eased her anxiety. "Regarding food and clothing, there's no need to trouble yourself. The prison is damp and filthy, but meals are served twice daily, and we manage."

Carissa said little more. Some hardship was inevitable; Salvador's appeasement required it. She left, sending Galen to deliver a package to the men's cells. She thanked him profusely, but he dismissed her gratitude.

"No need for formalities, Your Grace. It's no trouble."

Carissa waited until Galen returned before departing, relieved that she had done all she could for the Earl of Silverstone's family. As long as they persevered, dawn would break.

Taking Violet and Cynthia, Carissa used her leave to investigate royal relatives, noble families, and influential figures in the capital. Before his departure, Rafael had mentioned someone, though he hadn't verified the details. He estimated a 50-60% chance of their involvement, urging her to investigate their connections.