Chapter 965

Although it was late February and the weather had warmed considerably, sitting by the entrance without shelter still felt chilly. The small guardhouse at the entrance to Concord Lodge was available. Inside, there was a brazier for heating water. Seeing that Violet wasn't warmly dressed, Carissa led her inside to drink coffee.

"You don't need to stay with me tonight," Carissa said, pouring the coffee. "I'll be fine."

Violet blew on the dark liquid. "It's no trouble. I'll stay with you. It's a good chance to let Claire and the others rest. I'll keep an eye on things."

Claire and the others were watching the comings and goings of the Westhaven people, observing their movements and interactions. Lisandra and the officials didn't leave Concord Lodge much, but many others in the group did. With the information Barrett and Zoey had gathered, if another hidden plan existed, Yuvan's people might still try contacting Westhaven.

"By the way, I overheard Jacob as I left," Violet said, glancing at Carissa. "He said Prince Rafael plans to visit the Ministry of Justice tomorrow to see Barrett."

Carissa nodded. "I know."

"Is it necessary for him to meet Barrett? He should have already said everything he knows."

"He hasn't mentioned the route Aurora plans to use when she escapes."

"Is that important? She's not getting away. She planned the route, not Yuvan. Asking about that now seems unnecessary."

Carissa playfully tapped Violet's forehead, smiling. "Raf just needs an excuse to talk to Barrett again and see if he can uncover anything useful. At least we'll know who he's dealing with. This person is hiding too well—if they slip up only at the end of negotiations, it'll be too late to act."

Violet understood. "You're right. Three days of talks and no mistakes yet. It's time to think of another way."

At the Ministry of Justice, Barrett didn't expect the Hell Monarch to visit him personally. When he heard that a Ministry of Justice official, Lonnie, had come to fetch him, he was stunned.

He asked stiffly, "Why would he be coming to see me?"

"His Highness didn't say. He just asked me to bring you. You should go quickly. Don't keep him waiting," Lonnie replied.

Barrett felt uneasy. "Was it just him? Were there any other officials? Was Mr. Lloyd present?"

"No, it was only His Highness," Lonnie replied.

Barrett nodded absentmindedly but didn't get up. "What about the matter I asked Mr. Lloyd to investigate? Did he look into it? What did he find?"

Lonnie's expression didn't change. "I'm not sure what you had Mr. Lloyd investigate."

Seeing Lonnie's indifference, Barrett didn't press. He stood and followed him.

Before entering the side hall, Barrett took a deep breath. He then walked inside with heavy steps.

When he'd been Crown Guard commander or Nightsteel Guard commander, he had met Rafael and felt inferior. Now, imprisoned and despairing, that inferiority only grew.

He didn't know if Rafael would purposely make things difficult, but what did it matter? In his current position, he was already looked down upon.

Entering the side hall, Barrett saw Rafael. The prince sat in a carved, round-backed chair, his posture straight and unwavering. Barrett's strong and dignified form made Barrett recall a past moment—when he had returned from Victory Pass and gone to Grace Mansion to see Carissa, telling her he intended to marry Aurora. Carissa had sat similarly, but looked far more slender and fragile. The memory stirred complex emotions.

He collected himself, cleared his throat, and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Rafael glanced up. "Sit."

Barrett froze. Sit? Wasn't he about to be questioned? Even standing was an act of mercy.

Rafael looked up and frowned. "Sit down. I have questions for you. There's no need for formalities."

Barrett blinked, then quietly sat across from the Hell Monarch.

(Note: The "+25 BONUS" markings were removed as they appear to be editorial notes and not part of the text itself.)