Chapter 972

Carissa hesitated before saying, "Go and bring Sebastian. I'll find a way to slip inside and take a look." It was best to have Sebastian ready, just in case.

Violet nodded. "All right, I'll go now."

She hurried out and saddled her horse. The night air was cold, making Sebastian's arrival more difficult.

Halfway there, she encountered Travis, who seemingly didn't notice her. She called out, and he returned after a moment.

Carissa instructed the Capital Guard to watch the entrance, preventing anyone from entering. Caution was necessary; if it was a trap, they needed to be prepared. She then left the gatehouse and circled Concord Lodge.

With her men guarding the perimeter, she felt safe. After a while, she scaled the rear wall and entered the courtyard. Security inside was noticeably lax, though whether intentionally so was unclear.

Lisandra resided in the eastern courtyard, but Carissa had to be cautious. As she approached the central courtyard, she saw more guards. She crept along the corridor, hugging the wall. The dim lanterns and her light footsteps prevented detection.

The guards were conversing, but Carissa couldn't understand them. She felt frustrated; Winona, fluent in Westic, Sandorish, Nerathic, and other regional languages, would have been invaluable.

Carissa climbed to the roof, intending to cross it. A flickering shadow on the eastern courtyard roof caught her eye. It was too far and too dark to see clearly. She thought she saw something flash, then the shadow vanished.

Her heart pounded. Could it be an assassin?

Just as she was about to investigate, the shadow reappeared. It stood and faced her. A firestick illuminated its face.

Chapter 972

Carissa almost laughed. It was Winona! But what was she doing there?

With Winona present, further investigation was unnecessary. Carissa silently retreated and climbed down. While not as skilled in martial arts, Winona's Lightfoot Skill was superior; her silent landing was proof enough.

Carissa returned to the gatehouse, her interest in coffee gone. She anxiously watched for Violet and Sebastian. After a long wait, she heard hooves.

Three horses arrived—Travis and Violet were helping Sebastian dismount.

"Thank you for coming, Sebastian," Carissa said.

"It's nothing," he replied. "Can we go in now? What's the situation?"

"Just a moment." Carissa turned to Travis. "What brings you here?"

"Let's talk inside," Violet said, ushering them in.

The four crowded into the gatehouse. Travis reported that one of Lisandra's female officials might be conspiring with Yuvan.

Carissa's expression darkened. "So, Grand Princess Lisandra may be in trouble."

"It seems likely," Violet said, peering into the lodge. "Anything unusual?"

"Winona's investigating. If her findings confirm it, we'll go in," Carissa replied.

"Winona's here? That's a relief," Violet sighed. Winona's linguistic skills and Lightfoot Skill made undetected movement likely.

Carissa helped Sebastian adjust his hastily donned cloak.