Chapter 946

Knowing victory was all but assured, and with Edmund's royal edict backing him, Amos straightened, his expression firm. He furrowed his brow and said, "Your Highness, such words are unflattering. To speak of Westhaven's fall with such certainty—that is not something I expect to hear from you. To belittle your own country is beneath your position. I don't believe Mr. Stellwyn's actions are misguided.

"As I've said, it's a two-pronged approach. If they're willing to negotiate, we're prepared to talk. But if they refuse, war will be inevitable. Capturing the Hell Monarch's wife is a move akin to Aurora's capture of the former crown prince. Should war break out, holding her prisoner at Victory Pass will force the Sullivan family's forces to retreat. It will be just like Marshal Liam's humiliating treaty after Aurora captured our crown prince."

Lisandra slammed her hand on the table, fury igniting. "You're being utterly foolish! Marshal Liam acted as he did because Aurora captured our heir. At the time, the court was in disarray due to my father's illness, and the country teetered on the brink of collapse.

"Had we not stabilized the throne, the entire government could have fallen. And now you compare the Hell Monarch's wife to an heir? I was right: you are all reckless and naive. Have you ever tried to understand Lady Carissa? Do you know anything about the Sullivan family's generals or their army?"

Amos considered Carissa a minor threat. Yes, her father was Grand General Hector, and she had fought at the Southern Frontier, but she was still a woman—unprepared for this confrontation. With Icarus leading the charge and Harvey's suicide soldiers at his side, failure was impossible.

"Of course we do," Amos said, dismissing Lisandra's concerns. "This wasn't a rash decision. The plan has been meticulously arranged. Carissa will fall into our hands. We've secured Hartstone Estate to hold her. From there, we'll safely escort her out of the city. If negotiations fail, they won't dare harm an envoy. We'll retreat to Westhaven safely and declare war."

Lisandra's gaze hardened. "So, after retreating to Westhaven, we declare war? Are you saying King Edmund began gathering troops at Fawnrun City the moment we left for Starhaven?"

Amos met her gaze coldly. "Exactly. His Majesty is decisive and wise, a monarch who would never falter from sentimentality. I believe men, not women, should rule the world. I'm not saying you're weak, Your Highness, but sometimes retreat isn't an option."

Chapter 946 (Continued)

Penny interjected coldly, "It sounds like you're belittling not only Her Highness, Mr. Bailey, but women in general."

Amos gave a faint, respectful smile and raised his hand to Lisandra. "Your Highness, I meant no offense."

Penny's eyes flashed. "You say you didn't mean it, yet your words clearly contradict you."

Lisandra raised her hand, silencing Penny. Amos shot her a smug look.

"If there's nothing further, I'll take my leave," Amos said dismissively.

Lisandra looked at him coldly. "If you look down on women so much, be prepared for women to slap that arrogance off your face."

Amos laughed derisively.

"Your Highness, such words only boost others while diminishing yourself. Two kingdoms are at odds, and you're concerned with defending women? The Hell Monarch's wife is a Starhaven native. Elevating her won't help your cause of empowering women."

He bowed and left.

Enraged, Penny comforted Lisandra. "Your Highness, don't let such short-sighted people provoke you. We can deal with him in the capital."

Lisandra sighed wearily. "Why be angry with him? What angers me is the king. Is this impulsive behavior a blessing for Westhaven? He's followed Arthur for years, learning nothing. I went through hell to help him rise to power, hoping he'd carry on Arthur's legacy. Instead, he only thinks of revenge, forgetting the people and the kingdom."

The state of the nation weighed heavily on her. She'd been involved in politics for years, yet those around her seemed bent on opposing her—not her personally, but her identity as a woman.

Despite her talent, no one heeded her. Progress was impossible. Before, she had her father's backing. Now, without the king's support, she felt powerless, insignificant.