Chapter 938 (+25 BONUS)
Leroy's frustration mounted as he realized Salvador was deliberately ignoring him. Rafael's oppressive aura beside him only intensified his irritation. He barely suppressed the urge to address the Victory Pass situation and resolve it definitively.
His angry thoughts were interrupted by Rafael. "I heard Marshal Liam was injured. Is he fully recovered?"
Leroy broke his glare. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. My brother is out of danger."
"I thought he would be accompanying you today," Rafael remarked casually.
Leroy's gaze iced over. "Though my brother's injuries are no longer critical, his wounds were severe, and he's unfit for travel."
"General Sullivan also suffered severe injuries," the prince replied, feigning ignorance of Liam's imprisonment. "He was struck by arrows twice within a year, and he's just turned seventy. Yet, for the sake of our two kingdoms, he's returned to the capital from Victory Pass."
Leroy furrowed his brows. What did that mean? They'd agreed not to discuss such matters. If they were to speak of it, he had much to say in response.
Before he could reply, Rafael smoothly changed the subject. "By the way, I hear you're passionate about sword crafting, Mr. Stellwyn. Have you forged any exceptional weapons lately? I'd love to see one."
The abrupt shift left Leroy seething.
His eyes bulged as he snapped, "Military duties have kept me too busy to forge swords. If you wish to see Westhaven's weaponry, there will be ample opportunities, Your Highness." After all, Rafael could see them on the battlefield, couldn't he?
Rafael met his gaze, replying softly, almost nonchalantly, "Sure."
The quiet words felt strangely provocative. He couldn't shake the feeling the prince was subtly daring him, even seeking conflict.
But that didn't make sense. Harvey had said the Hell Monarch most wanted to avoid further conflict. If war erupted again, the Sullivan family would inevitably bear the blame.
So why did Rafael's words feel like anything but a push for peace?
"I'm sure we both need an opportunity like that, Mr. Stellwyn," the prince added lazily.
Leroy scrutinized Rafael, his eyes narrowed with confusion. Was Harvey deceiving him? But Harvey was so committed to his cause that he wouldn't have sent the wrong message.
Leroy's desire for war stemmed from needing to establish himself, and now seemed the perfect opportunity. With Dominic facing punishment, he was unlikely to survive, let alone return to Victory Pass. As for Rafael, stripped of his military authority, he was left with only the Chief Judge position. The marshal at the Southern Frontier, Oliver, was practically useless, and the other generals at Victory Pass were no longer a threat without Dominic.
They all needed an opportunity?
Suddenly, Leroy's thoughts sharpened. Of course—a man stripped of military power would seek to reclaim it through war.
Starhaven might not want war, but the Hell Monarch did. The Sullivan family wasn't his bloodline. What did his princess consort's grandfather matter to him? A man of Rafael's accomplishments would never be content to go from battlefield general to courtly politics.
Leroy's mind raced. His desire for war stemmed largely from knowing Rafael was disarmed and unable to fight. But now it was clear the Hell Monarch was determined to regain that power. If he took command of Victory Pass, Westhaven wouldn't stand a chance.
He watched Rafael's knowing smile. Leroy feared no one in Starhaven, but Victory Pass was no longer the impenetrable fortress it once was. Dominic was no longer a legend. The only person who had truly defeated the Sandorians and recaptured the Southern Frontier was Rafael. In just three years, the prince had accomplished what Starhaven had failed to do for years.
Lisandra remained unaware of their conversation; Carissa quietly distracted her. But Leroy's sour expression told Lisandra the conversation wasn't going well.
Leroy's impatience was notorious. Before coming to Starhaven, he'd loudly called for war, as if victory was guaranteed. Now, humbled and subdued, it was clear the person he truly feared was the Hell Monarch.
That was fine. Rafael's presence alone was enough to keep him in check. Hopefully, his unease would keep the upcoming talks orderly and prevent his arrogance from disrupting negotiations.