Chapter 1359

Hayden gestured for Chaya to lower her sword. “Not tonight. Neither side is ready.”

Chaya frowned, confused. “Why? Didn’t you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he’s taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?”

“He won’t capture him,” Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. “General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn’t launched an attack. He knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan’s authority. A portion of Valken’s population has joined the rebel forces. If the capital falls now, officials in Valken and Nerovia will use the court’s authority to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. Lady Carissa can’t act prematurely.”

Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. “And why isn’t it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?”

“It’s simple,” Hayden said. “He needs Mr. Murphy to decisively defeat General Farrell. Once Farrell is dealt with, he’ll move on to General Murray, ensuring Murray can’t return to the capital to defend the king. Then, Nicholas will solidify control over the capital.”

Hayden knew Nicholas’s plan.

“After that, he’ll send assassins to eliminate the Hell Monarch, General Sullivan, and the Sullivan family. He won’t concern himself with the wars at the Southern Frontier or Victory Pass—those can be managed. He’ll even cede a few cities and pull back fifteen miles along the Victory Pass border to force a truce. That’s all it will take to secure peace.”

Hayden smiled bitterly.

“He sounds like a gentle, virtuous man, right? But his heart is more ruthless than anyone’s. Those who follow him live; those who oppose him die. If anyone speaks against him, he’ll use my name to carry out a bloody purge, then eliminate me and ascend the throne. He’ll lower taxes, show kindness to the people, and earn the reputation of a benevolent ruler—all without fault.”

Chaya had thought Nicholas only wanted Hayden as a puppet king, to bear the people’s hatred. But now, it seemed he was also a tool for unspeakable atrocities.

“Then what are you waiting for?” Chaya didn’t understand. “Either way, it’s death.”

Hayden’s gaze turned steely, his grip tightening around the ornate box Adrian had given him. “Because I want to see him fail. I want to look him in the eye and ask if he regrets it.”

“And if he succeeds?” Chaya asked softly.

He lifted the small brocade box and opened it. Inside was a pill. “If he succeeds, I won’t become a puppet king. He’ll have to ascend the throne himself. That way, he won’t be able to threaten me again with the massacre of Nerovia’s people.”

Chaya looked at the pill, then smiled as she produced her hairpin. “This hairpin is quite sharp. If you go, I’ll go with you.”

Hayden sighed and didn’t try to persuade her. Fortunately, he had contacted Adrian. Adrian had kidnapped Sonny and then disguised himself as Sonny.

When they’d relieved themselves, they’d reached an understanding. Adrian gave him poison; in return, Hayden gave Adrian his emblem. The emblem, Hayden’s authority, allowed the holder to act in his name—sealing off Nerovia and dismissing or imprisoning corrupt officials. This authority was a privilege granted by Augustus. In his territory, Hayden could appoint or dismiss officials as he pleased. Nicholas had once used this power to replace all officials in Nerovia with his own men. It was this that had prompted Salvador to order Hayden's return to the capital, a return Hayden also desired.

Hayden called for Sonny to bury the Shadow Guard’s body under a backyard tree. Tonight, these ghostly figures were active, not just in the capital, but elsewhere as well.

At Capital Guard headquarters, Carissa and her group were injured. Thankfully, a hidden weapon in her wrist bracelet saved her from two fatal blows. Just as they seemed about to fall, a figure darted into the courtyard. Moving with phantom speed, the newcomer’s six-barreled matchlock deflected Nicholas’s blade from Carissa’s chest.

A loud clang, sparks flew.

Nicholas felt a sharp numbness in his palm. He couldn’t see the newcomer in the darkness, but the ferocity of the attack was undeniable. The newcomer’s swift strikes left Nicholas breathless after only a few moves.

Carissa seized the chance to break free and aid her comrades. With Nicholas no longer focused on her, the situation dramatically improved.

Kyle and Carissa recognized their rescuer, and their confidence soared. What had been a desperate struggle became an even match. Their movements became fluid, their attacks more decisive. The tide turned, and the black-clad assailants faltered under the relentless counterattack.

Nicholas and his men had intended a decisive strike, but now the tables had turned. Worse, they couldn’t predict who else might arrive if the fight continued. Losing Carissa’s head, and their own lives, seemed increasingly likely.

Reluctantly, Nicholas gritted his teeth and ordered, “Retreat!”