Chapter 947

By nearly midnight, the lights in Glimmering Tower were still on, though a "Closed" sign hung at the entrance. The private room on the third floor, once a peaceful drinking space, now held a half-empty jug of wine and a few small dishes.

Rafael had arrived without guards; Leroy had brought only a single attendant, who stood by the door. Although the two men discussed the next day's negotiations, neither revealed crucial details. Leroy aimed to keep Rafael as long as possible without divulging anything important. He suspected the operation was complete and their target captured.

Rafael, however, seemed blissfully unaware. Leroy's satisfaction grew; they had easily lured the Hell Monarch into a trap. People always described Rafael as difficult, yet a few well-placed words had sufficed. Still, Leroy remained vigilant; tomorrow's negotiations were vital. Starhaven's weak position made them eager to hear Leroy's terms—their desperation was clear.

Leroy found amusement in Rafael's arrogant confidence. Every word suggested a fearless attitude toward war. "So, you're not afraid of war, Your Highness?" Leroy sneered. "But can you guarantee your king would let you lead the troops? I hear he's wary of you and wouldn't let you command the army again."

"Leadership depends on the situation, not the king's current opinion," Rafael smoothly replied.

"Situation?" Leroy scoffed. "Ridiculous! Do you think you can turn the tide if things get out of control? You overestimate yourself, Your Highness."

"Is that so?" Rafael leaned back, his smile unchanged. "We can always try."

The confidence in his eyes made Leroy pause, a flicker of doubt crossing his chest. He quickly dismissed it, reminding himself of their advantage. He snorted dismissively. "We'll see tomorrow, Your Highness. I hope you're still this full of yourself."

The midnight gong sounded, and Leroy stood. "It's late. Let's call it a night. We'll continue tomorrow." He eagerly awaited news from Icarus. With Carissa in their hands, they could dictate terms. Refusal meant the end of negotiations; the Westhaven envoys would return home victorious. Edmund would handle any further dissatisfaction from Lisandra.

Rafael, however, didn't move. He smiled. "Don't rush, Mr. Stellwyn. Stay a while. You never know—someone might be looking for you."

"Who would? Who knows we're here?" Leroy asked, puzzled.

"Everyone at Glimmering Tower," Rafael replied casually.

"Isn't this Glimmering Tower?" Leroy's suspicion grew. "Do you own this place, Your Highness?"

"Technically, Commander Sinclair does."

Leroy frowned. He'd never heard of a Starhaven official named Sinclair.

Rafael, with a knowing look, added, "My wife and princess consort, the Mystic Army's commander, is Commander Sinclair."

Carissa didn't own Glimmering Tower; it belonged to the Pathfinders Guild—a fact Rafael knew because Everett handled their accounts.

Leroy was unsure what Rafael meant. Even if Carissa owned the tower, she was likely at Hartstone Estate.

Just then, hurried footsteps approached. The already closed shop doors swung open.

A loud voice called, "Is His Highness here?"

"Yes, he is," someone quickly replied.

"Report to him immediately: Lady Carissa was attacked! The assassin was Commander Icarus, Westhaven's Sovereign Guard commander. He's been sent to the Supreme Court!"

Leroy's face paled.

Chapter 948