Chapter 707
When the clock struck eight, the assassins attacked Harmony Palace. A line of figures, clad in black, silently approached, swords drawn. Priests chanted prayers in the main courtyard while the noblewomen finished burning their scriptures; some then began writing, others continued their prayers.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the night's stillness, silencing the women.
“Assassins!”
The cry, sharp as a dagger, echoed in Eleanor's heart. She was in the main courtyard but saw no attackers, meaning the assassins had infiltrated the inner and back courtyards.
As she moved to go outside, Rosalind grabbed her arm. “Grand Princess Eleanor, there are assassins! It’s too dangerous!”
“Let go of me!” Eleanor spun, her fierce expression shocking those nearby.
Panic spread, but the high priests and some older noblewomen remained calm.
“The guards will handle them, Grand Princess Eleanor. Do not risk yourself. We should continue,” Zane said steadily.
Eleanor turned to the Spirit Elder, seated on the platform. His head was bowed in compassion and devotion, yet his eyes burned with intensity. Hearing guards rushing toward the back courtyard, she realized the truth. Her heart lurched.
Carissa's plan wasn't for the fifteenth—it was tonight! She had deceived Henry and tricked Janice. Carissa had sent the assassins. What was her plan? Was she going to storm the dungeons to rescue Carmen's mother?
The dungeons!
Dread washed over Eleanor. Ignoring protests, she raced toward the western courtyard. Assassins were already battling palace guards and soldiers. Kurt had dispatched household soldiers to protect the high priests and noblewomen.
Molly, trembling, asked Fiona, “Why are there assassins? I’m terrified! Should we run?”
Fiona, glancing at the numerous soldiers guarding the perimeter, replied, “Running would be more dangerous. Who knows whom they’re targeting?”
Chapter 707 +25 BONUS
Many considered fleeing, but Fiona's words made them hesitate. With so many palace soldiers present, they were safer inside than on the streets. Besides, they hadn't seen any assassins nearby; clearly, they weren't the intended targets.
Irene led the continuation of prayers, followed by the other older ladies. The autumn wind howled outside, eerily like wailing walls.
The sounds of battle grew louder—clashing blades and shouts of "Assassins! Assassins!" Two figures burst through the main door, crying, "Help! Assassins!"
The noblewomen guests were alarmed, fearing the guards were losing. They panicked and tried to flee, but as they stepped outside, an arrow thudded into the main door. Terrified, the women scrambled back inside, some crawling.
A few assassins had reached the front courtyard, fighting the household soldiers. But for three assassins, fighting dozens of soldiers was easy; the soldiers' swords barely grazed their clothing. To an outsider, it might have looked like a playful sparring match.
The assassins weren't using lethal force, mostly disarming opponents and then kicking them to the ground.
The main door swung open; Michael, leading the capital guards (including Barrett, who happened to be on duty), entered. They saw the fight.
Michael immediately charged, drawing his sword. Even with the capital guards, the skilled assassins were difficult to subdue.
Cries of pain from the back courtyard prompted Michael to shout, “To the back! More assassins are in the rear courtyard! Leave men here to protect the high priests and noblewomen!”