Chapter 724

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Jaina's heart sank. "What do you mean?"

Violet spoke in a low voice. "Our suspicions were correct. She arranged for the bandits. The trouble your troupe faced? That was her doing. She aimed to bring you to the capital and intended to hand you over to Lord Henry. But for some reason, she didn't go through with it."

"Oh my god, it's true," Jaina said, her hands growing cold. "What about Lucas? She didn't harm him, did she?"

"We sent someone to investigate. Not long after you left, Lucas was killed in his sleep. They slit his throat with a sword."

Violet refrained from telling her that Lucas had starved to death. That would be too brutal for Jaina to bear. Being killed in his sleep sounded less torturous.

This was what Violet, Carissa, and the others had discussed beforehand. When they rescued Jaina after their operation during the Emberfest Festival, they would break the news to her gently. Lucas's death would be hard for her to accept, but at least she would be reunited with her family, which might ease some of the pain.

After a long moment of stunned silence, Jaina trembled and finally asked, "Was it Grand Princess Eleanor?"

"She had someone else carry it out, but yes, it was her. She's likely responsible for many deaths, and now she's been implicated in treason. Don't be too upset. At least Lucas's death has been avenged."

Jaina buried her face in her hands and cried uncontrollably. "I'm such an idiot! How could I have been so stupid? She kept me locked away the entire time. How could I have believed she would treat Lucas well? It's my fault he's dead"