Chapter 937 (+25 Bonus)
The following day, Winona's sources reported that after the Westhaven envoys checked into Concord Lodge, Harvey secretly returned to his estate. Early that morning, disguised and apparently mobilizing people, he left again.
Winona, after a moment's thought, seemed to understand Harvey's intentions. "Be careful," she warned Carissa. "If he's working with Leroy, he might attack you."
Carissa nodded. "Got it." In fact, Rafael had already informed her the previous night after spotting someone resembling Harvey among the Westhaven guards. They had spent the night speculating about the possibilities.
The royal banquet hall glittered under bright lights, sparkling like a night sky. By the time Rafael and Carissa arrived, the Westhaven envoys were seated on the right side of the hall. Guards and palace attendants waited outside, unarmed, as weapons were prohibited within the palace.
Victoria and Kylie sat at the head table, entertaining Lisandra before the banquet began. Victoria, who normally wouldn't attend, had insisted on coming upon hearing that the Westhaven grand princess was present. The queen dowager harbored a fondness for capable women and ignored her cough to make an appearance.
Carissa was surprised to see Lisandra and Victoria conversing without an interpreter, seamlessly switching between Stellish (Starhaven's language) and Westic (Westhaven's language). While Lisandra speaking Stellish was unsurprising, Victoria's fluency in Westic was unexpected.
Rafael and Carissa paid their respects to Salvador before greeting Victoria. Upon learning that Carissa was Hector's daughter, Dominic's granddaughter, and a distinguished participant in the Southern Frontier's reconquest, Lisandra studied her intently. After a moment, the grand princess shifted her gaze, her expression unreadable.
The Hell Monarch's household had gathered information on Lisandra, just as she had inquired about prominent figures in Starhaven, particularly Carissa (for her family and abilities) and Aurora (due to her involvement in the Victory Pass massacre).
When Carissa approached, Lisandra rose, curtsied deeply, and formally addressed her: "Lady Carissa, the Hell Monarch's princess consort. I have long heard of your esteemed name," she said in fluent Stellish.
Lisandra used "Lady Carissa" instead of "Commander Sinclair" because the palace guests were either high-ranking royals or powerful ministers and lords. While Carissa held an official court position, tonight she was present as a princess consort. Other matters were set aside for the evening's purpose: welcoming the Westhaven envoys.
"Long have I admired you, Your Highness," Carissa replied, curtsying. "It is a great honor to meet you."
Chapter 937 (+25 Bonus)
Carissa sat beside Lisandra. While the banquet hadn't begun, the group engaged in casual conversation—a privilege not afforded to everyone.
Once seated, Carissa felt a piercing gaze. Looking up, she met the eyes of a man across the table. He strikingly resembled Liam, but his eyes were sharper, colder, and full of disdain. He openly scrutinized her with undisguised contempt.
Rafael, sitting beside the man, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mr. Stellwyn, we've met. Do you remember?"
Though not as broad as Leroy, Rafael's imposing height and commanding presence overshadowed the other man.
Leroy's eyes flickered away from Carissa, settling on Rafael with a strained smile. Earlier, he'd spoken Westic with Jeremiah, pointedly ignoring Stellish. Now, however, he addressed Rafael flawlessly in Stellish: "How could I forget? It's been years, and you're no longer the young man you once were, Your Highness."
Rafael gave him a brief, cold look. "A young man should never be underestimated. You're staring at my wife with malice, Mr. Stellwyn. Is it because you think me weak, easily trampled upon?"
Displeasure flickered in Leroy's eyes. They had agreed to set aside past grievances for the evening, to welcome the Westhaven envoys cordially. Why was the Hell Monarch violating this truce, provoking him so openly?
Leroy glanced at Salvador, silently hoping for rebuke.
But at that moment, the Starhaven king turned to Lisandra, smiling. "I've heard much about your king—a young and valiant ruler, on the battlefield by sixteen. I respect such courage."
Lisandra smiled graciously. "You flatter us, Your Majesty. I hear you, as crown prince, fought alongside Grand General Hector, undefeated. Your skill is truly admirable."
Their polite exchange was purely mutual flattery. Edmund, though brave, had minimal military accomplishments. Salvador's "undefeated" record was more courtesy than reality; Hector's strategic brilliance and the relatively small-scale wars had preserved that image.