Chapter 974
Despite her low rank as a female official, Penny held Lisandra's favor and complete trust. Her fierce opposition had just swayed the debate, turning supporters into opponents. However, some, including officials from the Diplomatic Affairs Department, still supported inviting Starhaven's renowned physician, Sebastian. His reputation had reached Westhaven; during the previous king's grave illness, some court officials had even suggested summoning him.
The late king, however, refused to entrust his life to a Starhaven physician, thus abandoning the idea. The argument continued. Seeing the chaos, Carissa and Winona quickly moved Sebastian toward the eastern courtyard.
"Stop them!" Penny shrieked, her voice cutting through the tension.
Violet stepped forward, grasping Penny's arm. "Let me explain. Listen! We're only doing this for Grand Princess Lisandra. Maids are by her side. Any suspicious actions will be seen."
Travis added, stepping between them and Leroy, "That's right. Our physician will only check her vital signs. Where's your royal physician? He should be here. His presence would be beneficial."
Javier Glover, a Westhaven royal physician, had already rushed into Lisandra's room. Although two medical attendants were with Lisandra, the Starhaven group attempted to enter. Fearing trouble, Javier immediately followed.
"Let go of me!" Penny shouted, her eyes wide with panic. "What do you want? Are you trying to hurt me?"
Violet reassured her softly, clearly avoiding confrontation, "No, of course not. If you need to go in, we'll go together."
"Yes, let's all go in together. We're all here for Grand Princess Lisandra's health," Travis announced loudly.
The Capital Guard and Westhaven guards began pushing and shoving. Carissa had ordered against physical engagement, so the Capital Guard, though shoved, could only use their shoulders to resist. The scene descended into chaos. Because Travis was pulling Leroy and Violet held Penny's hand tightly, they were forcefully moved toward the eastern courtyard.
Carissa and Sebastian had already reached the eastern courtyard. Meanwhile, Aria, a maid who had briefly stepped out to listen to the debate, returned to Lisandra's quarters.
Upon seeing Carissa and Sebastian enter, Aria's eyes lit up. "Have you brought Mr. Dalton?" she asked.
In the bedroom, besides the medical attendants, were a female official and several maids. The official, seated by Lisandra's bedside, was wiping the grand princess's face. Upon seeing them enter, she lifted the sheer curtains and stood, wary. Aria's words brightened her expression.
"Sebastian Dalton? Did they agree?" She quickly approached, bowing respectfully. "Mr. Dalton, please check Her Highness's heart rate."
Sebastian took the medicine box from Winona and approached. Aria moved a stool closer for him to sit by the bed. The sheer curtain was pulled down, obscuring Lisandra's complexion; she lay with her eyes tightly closed.
Aria gently extended Lisandra's hand for Sebastian to check her pulse. He removed a red cloth and draped it over her wrist before beginning. Everyone waited silently.
After a moment, Sebastian looked up at the female official. "Could you lift the curtain slightly so I can see her face and eyes?"
The official, Yuna, understanding the urgency, quickly pulled back the curtain, fastening it to the golden hooks. Lisandra's face wasn't pale; instead, it held a strange, deep redness that seemed unnatural.
At that moment, the outside argument intensified as the shoving crowd reached the door.
"Since everyone's here," Violet announced, "we might as well all go in."
Penny yanked her hand free, glaring furiously at Violet. Without hesitation, she rushed inside, followed by the others. Leroy remained outside, angrily shouting about their disregard for Westhaven's authority.