Chapter 1343
“Do you think Madam Prince and Miss Prince are in immediate danger?” Carissa asked.
“Madam Prince should be fine, but if Miss Prince’s fever doesn’t break soon, she could be in real danger. She’s very anxious. When she saw me, she kept grabbing my hand, asking if she was going to die. She babbled nonsense—blaming one person, then another, before finally blaming herself for all her perceived mistakes,” Rowan replied.
Carissa remained silent. She had no right to judge, but wished Viola wouldn't endanger Zoey. Viola's death in Astral Prison would panic the Earl of Silverstone's family, increasing Zoey's already heavy burden.
“Rowan, please check on them again in a couple of days.”
“Of course,” he nodded.
Carissa paused, then added, “I’ll accompany you.” She wanted a private conversation with Zoey. In prison, isolation and constant distress could make days feel like years.
However, Carissa had pressing matters. With Salvador ill and court recessed, she needed to find Jeremiah, inform him of the riverworks personnel changes—Cameron’s replacements—and report this to Salvador. More importantly, she had to meet with the Mystic Army generals to strategize their defense.
The next day, after informing Jeremiah, who would then report to Salvador, she returned to Capital Guard headquarters. She gathered Kyle and Jacob to discuss the situation. They considered various scenarios, including the possibility of internal collaboration, necessitating heightened vigilance at the city gates. They also needed to dispatch scouts to patrol the surrounding countryside, including the many large villas, some housing hundreds of people, where it would be difficult to identify potential threats. This was a challenging area to investigate, as villa managers often prioritized cheap labor over background checks, frequently hiring refugees. The search was underway, but progress was slow due to the vastness of the countryside and numerous villages.
Defense fortifications commenced that day, with strict surveillance of all key routes into the city, particularly the main street leading to the palace.
While awaiting news from Jeremiah, Carissa visited Zoey in prison. Randall brought Zoey to the Supreme Court’s back courtyard, where they had prepared meat porridge.
Zoey appeared terribly worn—gaunt and frail, her eyes devoid of life. As she inhaled the porridge's aroma, tears streamed down her face. Carissa let her cry, understanding Zoey’s long-suppressed grief. Zoey had been the pillar of strength, unable to show weakness, for if she faltered, others would lose hope.
When her tears subsided, she hesitantly ate the lukewarm porridge, her hands trembling. The thought of saving some for her children tugged at her heart, but she knew it was impossible. After finishing one bowl, Carissa ordered another.
Zoey’s choked voice broke the silence. “That’s enough, Your Grace. Thank you.” One bowl was a luxury in her family's situation.
“Mrs. Prince, you need to pull yourself together,” Carissa said gently.
Zoey offered a bitter smile. “Why call me that? I’m just a woman who has sinned.”
Carissa paused. “Then, let me call you Zoey.”
This seemed to break through Zoey's daze. How long since anyone had spoken to her so familiarly?
“Do you have any news of him? Will he be caught?” Zoey asked, her desperate eyes fixed on Carissa. Oliver's capture was paramount to her children's survival.
Carissa shook her head. “No news yet. With widespread warfare, resources are likely stretched thin.”
“If he dies, I hope it’s witnessed. A body would give us a chance of survival,” Zoey said bitterly, wiping away tears. “I don’t care if I die, but seeing my children suffer breaks my heart.”
Carissa patted her back. “Are the headaches still bothering you?”
“Much better, thanks to you.” Zoey tried to take Carissa’s hand, but recoiling from her own dirty, blackened hands, she pulled back. “I’m filthy. Don’t come too close.”
Carissa smiled. “You’re not filthy. Your heart is still pure.”
Zoey smiled through her tears, a shaky laugh escaping. She had found solace and support, and her resolve was renewed.