Her Graceful War Song

Rafael and Carissa traveled to the palace by carriage. Ever since the rebellion case had emerged, their lives had become a whirlwind of chaos, leaving them barely enough time to exchange a few words before collapsing into bed.

As they traveled, Rafael wrapped his arm around Carlson and said, “There’s something I need to tell you upfront, just so you won’t be disappointed.”

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what you’re going to say. His Majesty won’t execute Eleanor, will he?”

Carissa leaned against his broad chest, her eyelids growing heavy. She didn’t mind the fighting and killing on the battlefield, but the constant travel to gather testimonies and enduring the sarcastic remarks from various families was wearing her down, especially when dealing with those who were overly self- important.

“I mentioned Yuvan to him, but His Majesty didn’t ask you to investigate him. With his level of suspicion, how could he not look into Yuvan? I suspect he sent someone else to check. He probably sent people from the Crown Guard and Shadow Guard, who aren’t under your command.

“Even if His Majesty claims that the Crown Guard is under your purview, it’s only in name. Until they finish their investigation, he won’t execute Eleanor. And as long as she is alive, Yuvan will live in constant fear,” said Rafael, analyzing the situation.

Carissa nodded with her eyes closed. “Your analysis makes sense, but with two major cases looming over Eleanor’s household–one being the rebellion and the other involving the murdered and imprisoned concubines, along with so many dead infants–if they don’t execute her, it’ll be hard to quell the public’s

anger.”

“An explanation for this.matter is definitely necessary. A cold glint flickered in Rafael’s eyes. “If the rebellion is covered up, then only one person will have to take the blame for all those deaths.”

Carissa suddenly opened her eyes wide. “Henry!”

Rafael nodded, his voice icy as he continued, “Yes. After all, he’s not innocent. He’s the biggest accomplice. No matter how he tries to argue that he had no choice and was afraid to defy Eleanor’s orders, it doesn’t matter.

“He is tied to the Kingsley family, and my grandfather was still alive when Eleanor started all this. She wasn’t all–powerful, but Henry still chose to submit to her–not because he was truly afraid of her, but because the declining Kingsley family needed her.”

Carissa knew Henry was not innocent. In fact, he was utterly despicable. Those women were his concubines. They shared a bond with him, and all the children they bore were his flesh and blood. Yet, he let his sons be murdered and his daughters be used as pawns.

Was he truly helpless? Perhaps at first, but not anymore. Just look at how he treated Melanie Lester and her daughters! If he cared for them at all, he wouldn’t have betrayed Carmen, nor would he have turned a blind eye to Melanie’s fate.

If he had pleaded with Eleanor, he could have spared Melanie the torment of the dungeon. After all, Celeste had completed her mission at Gracehold Estate, and Carmen had managed to infiltrate Hell Monarch Estate. It was likely Henry had exchanged those favors for something else, such as securing

benefits for the Kingsley family.

Rafael pondered for a moment before speaking meaningfully, “It’s possible His Majesty might spare Henry in exchange for his testimony about the mastermind behind the rebellion–at least as bait. Once Henry confesses, he’ll still be executed to appease public outrage.”

In the royal study, Salvador reviewed Eleanor’s initial testimony. Anger flashed in his eyes, and he laughed coldly.

“She’s still trying to implicate you two? Even with death looming, she shows no remorse. Continue the interrogation.”

He set aside Eleanor’s statement and turned to Jessica’s. After reading it, he took a deep breath, his expression calming considerably.

“Such malice is truly unprecedented. How can someone so cruel be part of the royal family? Issue a royal edict to strip Jessica of her title. Revoke her lands and demote her to a commoner. If it’s confirmed she personally took a life, she shall be dealt with according to the laws of the kingdom.”

After issuing the edict for Jessica’s demotion, the king looked at Rafael and said, “It seems Eleanor won’t confess easily. We’ll have to resort to torture. If she still doesn’t cooperate, lock her up in the Heritage Bureau. The case file must remain open, and investigations shall continue. When applying torture, we must tread carefully–she must not die.”

If the case files weren’t sealed, it meant the rebellion case hadn’t been concluded yet. Doing so would leave some individuals trembling with uncertainty.

This was much like Rafael had expected.

Salvador continued, “Anyone involved in the rebellion will be detained as soon as it’s been verified. The concubine case has far–reaching implications and a severe impact. All of them are Henry’s concubines, so the Kingsley family will compensate them and their families.

“As for Henry’s mistreatment of women and the taking of lives, his crimes are unforgivable and warrant execution. Tell him that if he can expose the individuals behind the rebellion, I may spare his life.”

Carissa lowered her head to hide her raised brows.

Rafael was right on all points. It looked like he understood Salvador well.