Chapter 973

Winona appeared at the entrance to Concord Lodge. She was not alone, but unlike earlier, when Carissa had seen her in stealth attire, she was now dressed in her usual clothing.

Carissa hurried over. "What's the situation, Winona?"

"I was on the roof of Grand Princess Lisandra's quarters," Winona replied. "She's unconscious. Several maids are with her. I overheard them saying she returned from the Diplomatic Affairs Department, then had a fit, even biting someone, before losing consciousness."

Violet exclaimed, astonished, "A fit? She bit someone? Could she have gone temporarily insane?"

Carissa asked, "What was happening in the main courtyard?"

"They were arguing," Winona said. "Some wanted to summon a royal physician or Sebastian; others opposed it. From the roof, I couldn't tell who was for or against."

"Was a woman among those opposing?"

"Yes," Winona replied. Seeing Travis, she realized Carissa likely knew one of Lisandra's female officials was involved. "But I'm not sure if it was Penny."

"How many people opposed calling a physician?" Carissa pressed.

"Three or four," Winona answered. "It wasn't simple opposition; they were weighing the situation. One woman, however, adamantly opposed it, arguing that our Starhaven physicians were no match for their royal physician and that there was a risk of harm."

Carissa clarified, "So, the opposition is mainly concerned that Grand Princess Lisandra might suffer from a wrong decision, and they're worried about the consequences?"

Winona nodded. "That's one way to put it."

Carissa didn't hesitate. "Then let's go!"

Travis interjected, "Should we inform His Highness? Perhaps he should decide."

"No," Carissa said firmly. "This is my decision, not His Highness's."

She immediately sent a message for the on-duty Capital Guard, ordering, "Go with Mr. Travis and Ms. Spencer. Avoid conflict and do not engage with any envoys."

"Understood!" the guards responded in unison.

Travis and Violet, with the Capital Guard, led the way; Carissa and Winona, with Sebastian, followed.

The Westhaven guards blocked their path. Violet and Travis attempted communication, but it was fruitless—a conversation between a chicken and a duck. This brought the envoys from the main courtyard.

Leroy appeared, visibly furious. "What are you doing? What's going on?"

Carissa stepped forward. "Grand Princess Lisandra is unwell, and we've brought Starhaven's renowned physician, Sebastian, to treat her."

Leroy waved dismissively. "No need. We have our royal physician. Step back."

Penny approached, her expression shifting slightly. "How did you find out?"

Carissa looked at Winona, silently questioning if it was her. Winona recognized the voice—the woman who had opposed summoning a physician—and nodded.

Leroy, alerted by Penny's words, turned on Carissa with renewed fury. "How did you know? Did you break in? Were you spying? Eavesdropping?"

Carissa raised her voice. "During negotiations, we learned Grand Princess Lisandra was unwell. We used the restroom and overheard your guards discussing her serious condition. We brought Sebastian because we don't want her health to affect the negotiations."

Amos scoffed. "Absurd! How could it affect negotiations? Tomorrow's talks won't be canceled. We don't rely solely on Grand Princess Lisandra."

Garrick stepped forward. "Since they're here, let them in. Her Highness hasn't woken up."

Leroy immediately objected. "Who knows what they're really after?"

Penny's face was filled with suspicion. "I agree," she said. "Mr. Glover, our royal physician, understands Her Highness best. Why allow just any physician? Even though we're not at war, relations are still somewhat hostile, and we're in delicate negotiations. If they harm Her Highness, can we accept responsibility?"