Chapter 46: A Warning

Margaret could no longer contain herself. The regal poise she had so carefully maintained cracked, her expression turning icy with fury. “Doug, are you trying to control everything?”

Doug laughed—a slow, easy laugh, as if Margaret’s words were the most amusing thing he’d heard all day. “Everything? Why not?”

“You—” Margaret nearly choked on her rage. “She conspired to harm her own sister, her own cousin! Her actions are vile beyond measure, yet you, an officer of the Eryndral Empire, dare to shield her? Do you not fear that the censors will have you impeached in the morning court?”

Margaret’s father, Donovan Shaw, was the Imperial Censor himself—a man whose very duty was to bring officials to justice.

“Impeach me?” Doug’s smile vanished instantly, his expression turning as frigid as a blade’s edge. “If Mr. Shaw still has the nerve to impeach me, he is more than welcome to try.”

Margaret’s heart skipped a beat. Doug was a master of political intrigue, an expert at spinning traps of injustice from thin air. Could it be that he had already made his move against her father?

“What do you mean by that?” she asked, her voice tight.

Doug’s gaze bore into her, his words sharp as daggers. “The entire empire knows that Mr. Shaw is a man of impeccable virtue—a beacon of integrity, a paragon of justice. And yet, the daughter he raised condones her own son impregnating an unmarried woman, then breaking off his engagement to the Duke’s family on baseless rumors. She is a woman who knows neither honor nor restraint. And now, to avenge a child that is already lost, she has stirred up a storm without cause. I wonder—when Mr. Shaw hears of all this, will he still have the face to remain in court? He is the Imperial Censor, after all.”

Margaret’s breath hitched. Her father was known as a righteous man—but only when it came to other people’s wrongdoings. He had never hesitated to criticize officials, nor even the King himself. But when it came to his own family? He would protect them at all costs. Donovan Shaw’s household was notorious—his so-called “virtuous children” were the subject of endless whispers. But with his influence and a network of powerful protégés, he had managed to keep their scandals under wraps.

Yet William and Eleanor’s affair had already become the talk of the capital. Doug’s words were no idle threat. If he chose to expose this, there would be no hiding from it.

Margaret clenched her fists. “That is a matter of the Valen family. What does it have to do with my father?”

Doug chuckled. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.”

He lifted a hand. “Well? What are you all waiting for? Take them away.”

Milton’s voice cut through the air, cold and accusing. “It seems Mr. Becker came prepared. You knew exactly what happened here today—before even asking. Tell me, had you already arrived? Were you just watching from the shadows?”

Oliver spoke up, his tone indifferent. “Tell me, Milton—aside from Geoffrey, is there anyone here today who did not come with their own agenda?”

Milton stiffened. His gaze instinctively swept over the faces around him—faces filled with a quiet, uneasy understanding. A flicker of realization flashed in his mind, but he held his tongue. He had heard the testimonies. Even if Milton wanted to use Eleanor’s grudge against Isolde, he would never risk an unborn child. Besides, with Tyler present, if Milton had truly schemed against Isolde, he would never have invited Tyler here.

Oliver rose to his feet, his gaze sharp as it scanned the room. “Anyone who has seen or heard anything firsthand, follow me to Southern Watch.”

At once, the ladies in attendance hastily shook their heads, waving their hands in protest. “Oh no, we aren’t really witnesses… we didn’t see anything.”

To go to Southern Watch meant becoming an official witness. And being a witness carried consequences—rumors, a tarnished reputation. They had only meant to extend a favor, but at this cost? No, thank you.

Milton’s face turned deathly pale. “Oliver,” he said, his voice hoarse. “With the evidence so damning, is there truly a need to return to Southern Watch? As far as I know, Southern Watch does not dispense justice blindly. My daughter barely escaped with her life. One way or another, I will see justice done.”

“Very well, then. Milton, you shall accompany us back to Southern Watch.” Oliver’s strikingly handsome face was devoid of warmth, an icy chill rolling off him like a winter storm.

Then, he smiled—a slow, sharp curve of his lips. “I have no doubt that, once we’re back at Southern Watch, you’ll have plenty to say, Milton.”

His voice turned silky, almost mocking. “For instance… about Shadowmere. About Wolf Mountain.”

A violent tremor passed through Milton’s face. His muscles twitched as he fixed a murderous glare on Isolde. Then, a cold, hollow laugh escaped his lips. “Well, well… imagine that,” he sneered. “To have committed such an atrocious act and still have someone standing up for you.”

Isolde lifted her gaze slowly, her lips curling into a delicate, almost playful smile. “Do you know why?” she asked softly.

Milton stared at her, his eyes burning with a hatred so fierce, it was as if he wanted to tear her apart with his bare hands.

He had clawed his way up from a mere gate guard to a general, slashing through obstacles without fear, considering himself above the entire court of ministers and nobles. With an alliance to the Valen family, he had believed himself unstoppable—a man destined to soar to the greatest heights.

And yet, here he was. Humiliated. Thwarted. Beaten by this woman. And now, to hear her speak so lightly of it? He wanted to kill her.

Isolde rose to her feet, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room before settling on Milton’s face.

“Because,” she said, her voice clear, steady, “not everyone is as ruthless and scheming as you, Milton. There are those who still value justice over intrigue. While you and your allies were busy plotting, someone warned me.”

“Who?!” Matilda’s sudden outburst shattered the tense silence. The moment the words left her lips, her eyes widened in horror.

She clamped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. Geoffrey’s face had darkened instantly, his expression thunderous.

“I—I didn’t mean it that way,” Matilda stammered, shaking her head in a desperate attempt to backtrack. “I meant—who would dare fabricate such a lie against us?”

Isolde merely smiled—a slow, knowing smile. She turned and stepped toward Ryker, her voice gentle yet unwavering. “Ryker,” she said sincerely, “thank you for your honesty. I won’t forget it.”

Ryker’s face drained of all color. Blood-red veins surfaced in his eyes as he stood frozen, his body trembling. His mind raced, two thoughts colliding at breakneck speed.

Deny it? No. It was too late. The truth was out. Southern Watch was involved now. And with Matilda’s slip of the tongue, refusing to acknowledge it would only brand him a conspirator.

But if he admitted it? He might escape punishment, but he would lose everything—Milton and Matilda’s trust, their protection… and perhaps even his life.

In that single, electric moment, his decision was made. Lowering his eyes, he murmured, “There’s no need for thanks, Isolde, I am merely seeking redemption.”

Even if he had denied it, Milton and Matilda would never trust him again because Doug and Oliver had been there all along. Watching. Waiting. This meant the plan had been compromised long before now. They would never believe that no one had betrayed them.

Milton sat heavily in his chair, his pallid face twisted in disbelief. His mind raced, desperately searching for a way out.

Ryker turned. His expression was unreadable.

“This was all Michelle’s doing,” he said calmly. “It was her plan from the start. She intended to frame Isolde for assault, but things went awry… and Eleanor lost the baby instead.”