Chapter 1365
Yuvan was unaware the so-called negotiation was a ruse; he was to be used as bait to lure Thomas's army into the city. Thomas, agreeing to the negotiations, went alone. Wayne also went alone, though his men trailed him from a distance.
Wayne pleaded, explaining that most Valken officials, himself included, were unaware of Yuvan's planned rebellion. Some knew, but feared Yuvan's power too much to speak out. Thomas expressed distrust, insisting on a long-standing conspiracy.
Thomas's firm stance revealed to Wayne that Thomas was unaware of Nicholas's involvement or the approaching reinforcements. Wayne's trust in Clifford, stemming from Clifford's success in swaying the Spencer family—a feat Wayne and Yuvan had long sought—confirmed this. Their decision to betray Yuvan had originated from witnessing Nicholas's strength in achieving this with Clifford.
As a strategist, Wayne aligned himself with perceived victors. Remaining loyal to the sidelined Yuvan was a path to ruin. The negotiation's importance had faded; both sides aimed to enter the city, each with their own schemes.
Wayne glanced at the sky. Clifford had insisted on luring Thomas's forces into the city before nightfall; they had just over two hours. The negotiation was brief. Wayne agreed to hand over Yuvan, but only if Thomas, upon returning to the capital, requested leniency for those who surrendered.
In reality, they had no choice. Handing over Yuvan would weaken Thomas's vigilance; leaderless, Thomas would assume Valken's forces were fractured, demoralized after days of encirclement. Once inside, a coordinated attack would eliminate Thomas and his men within two days.
After the negotiations, Wayne returned to the city tower where Yuvan and Harvey remained captive, under close observation from troops using long-range binoculars. Premature release would expose their deception.
Upon seeing Wayne, Yuvan asked, "Well? Did he agree?"
Wayne replied calmly, "I've agreed to temporarily hand you over."
Yuvan froze. "Hand me over? What's the next move?" He still suspected deception, not a genuine surrender. He glanced at Harvey, assuming he would accompany him.
Harvey hesitated, not from brotherly affection, but from the bitter irony of a lifetime's planning undone by his own people—a harsh blow to pride. Yet, the absence of a shared victory lifted his spirits. His allegiance to Nicholas promised five cities in Ebonflow, a princely title, and a lifetime of ease. Yuvan's survival would force compromises, diminishing Harvey's share of the spoils. So, he readily agreed to the handover.
"They won't harm you," Wayne assured Yuvan. "They'll escort you into the city. Our private soldiers arrive tonight; you'll be in their hands only a few hours. Prince Harvey will accompany you."
Harvey nodded. "I'll go with you, Yuvan." He believed Wayne's words were simply persuasion, unaware that Yuvan's presence was now a liability.
Hearing Harvey's agreement, Yuvan recognized the necessity of risk. Thomas was not easily deceived; without Yuvan's capture, Thomas would remain wary. Thomas's army would either breach the walls or tighten the siege. Opening the gates would necessitate considering a potential trap.
"Your Highness, we need them inside before nightfall," Wayne pressed. "Once inside, it's beyond General Farrell's control. We'll have our men ready. We'll rescue you as soon as we're inside."
Yuvan finally nodded. "Very well. Let's go with this plan."