Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 959

After the Westhaven envoys left the Diplomatic Affairs Department and returned to their lodgings, the Starhaven negotiators remained behind and continued discussions about the next round of talks. Jeremiah was involved in the conversation, his voice calm but firm.

"If we're going to compensate with grain, we can't offer such a large quantity. Last year, there was a poor harvest and the military wages were insufficient. If we give them 3,000,000 bushels of grain, we're essentially funding their war efforts. We can compensate, but it can't exceed 300,000 bushels."

He paused, then added, "Also, His Majesty insists that we cannot make any concessions on the border issue."

Having delivered his points, he left the room. From the way Rafael had been conducting the negotiations, Jeremiah felt confident in the direction they were heading.

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Justice, Barrett requested a meeting with Patrick.

After his conversation with Aurora the previous night, Barrett had been troubled. Aurora had mentioned a plan to convince Westhaven to take Dominic, but Barrett couldn't understand how she could pull that off. So, he turned to Patrick for advice. "She really said that?" Patrick asked, coming to meet Barrett in person. "Did she say how?"

Barrett shook his head. "She didn't say, and when I asked, she just refused to explain. But she has mapped out an escape route, and it's clear she's confident she can convince the Westhaven envoys to take General Sullivan with them."

At that point, Patrick still didn't know the outcome of the negotiations. However, he knew Dominic would definitely be brought up at the table. If Starhaven refused, Westhaven wouldn't be able to take him.

do to take Dominic after the fact? More importantly, how could Aurora be

seem likely," Patrick said. "If she's taken, she'll be in a prison cart. The Westhaven envoys hate her with a passion.

I just don't get how she's so sure. I've been locked up here, so I want to ask you to send a message to my wife... No, to Madam Zoey, and ask her to investigate the servants at Valor

that Aurora has been in contact with someone outside through the servants, perhaps even conspiring all along?" Patrick asked, his expression thoughtful. Barrett thought it over, but

Zoey inform Cari-I mean, Lady Carissa." Patrick nodded, but couldn't hide his confusion. "Why Madam Zoey? Why not have your wife look into the servants at

the sister-in-law of Barrett's wife, Viola. Why would he ask his

Barrett looked visibly uncomfortable.

has been managing her household for years

the servants,

to

be some discord between Barrett and Viola—or

well," Patrick

inform

better for

Zoey about this. Since the Earl of Silverstone is