Chapter 773

Rafael and Carissa, traveling to the palace by carriage, found their lives a whirlwind of chaos since the rebellion case began. They barely had time to speak before collapsing into bed each night.

As they rode, Rafael put his arm around Carissa and said, “There’s something I need to tell you upfront, so you won’t be disappointed.”

Carissa replied, “I know what you’re going to say. His Majesty won’t execute Eleanor, will he?”

Leaning against Rafael, her eyelids heavy, Carissa confessed that while she didn't mind battlefield fighting, the constant travel, testimony gathering, and dealing with self-important families was exhausting.

“I mentioned Yuvan to him,” Rafael explained, “but His Majesty didn’t ask you to investigate. With his level of suspicion, how could he overlook Yuvan? I suspect he’s using the Crown Guard and Shadow Guard—who aren't under your command.”

“Even if His Majesty claims the Crown Guard is under your purview, it’s only in name,” Rafael continued. “Until they finish their investigation, he won’t execute Eleanor. And as long as she lives, Yuvan will live in fear.”

Carissa nodded, eyes closed. “Your analysis makes sense, but with two major cases—the rebellion and the murdered and imprisoned concubines, along with the dead infants—if they don't execute her, it will be hard to quell public anger.”

“An explanation is necessary,” Rafael said, a cold glint in his eyes. “If the rebellion is covered up, only one person will take the blame for all those deaths.”

“Henry!” Carissa exclaimed, her eyes wide.

Rafael nodded grimly. “Yes. He’s the biggest accomplice. No matter how he tries to claim he was forced and afraid to defy Eleanor, it doesn’t matter. He’s tied to the Kingsley family, and my grandfather was alive when Eleanor began this. She wasn't all-powerful, but Henry still submitted—not from fear, but because the declining Kingsley family needed her.”

Carissa knew Henry was despicable. Those women were his concubines, their children his flesh and blood. Yet, he allowed his sons to be murdered and his daughters used as pawns. Was he truly helpless? Perhaps at first, but not anymore. His treatment of Melanie Lester and her daughters proved that. If he cared, he wouldn’t have betrayed Carmen or ignored Melanie’s fate. He could have pleaded with Eleanor to spare Melanie the dungeon. Celeste had completed her mission at Gracehold Estate, and Carmen had infiltrated Hell Monarch Estate. Henry likely exchanged those favors for benefits for the Kingsley family.

Rafael pondered, then said meaningfully, “His Majesty might spare Henry in exchange for testimony about the mastermind behind the rebellion—as bait. Once Henry confesses, he’ll still be executed to appease public outrage.”

In the royal study, Salvador reviewed Eleanor’s testimony. Anger flashed in his eyes; he laughed coldly. “She’s still trying to implicate you two? Even facing death, she shows no remorse. Continue the interrogation.”

He set aside Eleanor’s statement and examined Jessica’s. After reading it, he took a deep breath, his expression calming. “Such malice is unprecedented. How can someone so cruel be part of the royal family? Issue a royal edict to strip Jessica of her title. Revoke her lands and demote her to a commoner. If it’s confirmed she personally took a life, she shall be dealt with according to the law.”

After issuing the edict, the king addressed Rafael. “Eleanor won’t confess easily. We’ll resort to torture. If she still doesn’t cooperate, lock her up in the Heritage Bureau. The case file must remain open; investigations continue. When applying torture, be careful—she must not die.”

The open case file meant the rebellion case remained unresolved, leaving some uncertain. This was exactly as Rafael expected.

Salvador continued, “Anyone involved in the rebellion will be detained once verified. The concubine case has far-reaching implications. All were Henry’s concubines, so the Kingsley family will compensate them and their families. As for Henry’s mistreatment of women and taking of lives, his crimes are unforgivable and warrant execution. Tell him that if he exposes those behind the rebellion, I may spare his life.”

Carissa lowered her head, concealing her raised eyebrows. Rafael had been completely correct; he clearly understood Salvador.