Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1359

Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."

Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?"

"He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority.

"A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials

in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely.

Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?"

"It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Murray, ensuring he can't return to the capital to defend the king. Once that's done, Nicholas will be able to solidify control over the capital."

Hayden knew Nicholas' plan.

"After that, he'll send assassins to eliminate the Hell Monarch, General Sullivan, and the young men of the Sullivan family. He won't concern himself with the wars at the Southern Frontier or Victory Pass-those can be managed. He'll even cede a few cities and pull back 15 miles along the Victory Pass border to force a truce. That's all it'll take to secure peace."

Hayden smiled bitterly.

use my name to carry out a bloody purge, then get rid of me and ascend the throne. He'll lower taxes, show kindness to the people, and earn the reputation of a benevolent ruler, all without any

Nicholas only wanted Hayden as a puppet king, to bear the weight of the people's hatred. But now, it seemed he

what are you waiting for?" Chaya didn't understand. Either way, it

gaze turned steely, his grip tightening around the ornate box Adrian had given him earlier. "Because I want to see him fail. I want to look him in the eye and ask

he succeeds?"

become a puppet king. He'll have to ascend the throne himself. That way, he won't be able to threaten me

pulled out her hairpin.

had been able to make contact with Adrian. It was Adrian who had kidnapped Sonny and then

he went

they reached a mutual

poison, and in return, he gave Adrian his emblem. The emblem was Hayden's, and it allowed whoever held it to act in his name. They could seal off Nerovia and dismiss

authority had been a privilege granted by Augustus himself. In his territory, Hayden had the right to appoint or dismiss officials as he pleased. It was this power that Nicholas once wielded to replace all the officials in Nerovia

that Salvador ordered Hayden to return

-

to bury the Shadow Guard's body under a tree

ghostly figures were active. Of course, the capital wasn't the only place with them; there were others stationed

group were riddled with injuries. Thankfully, the hidden weapon in her wrist bracelet had saved

Moving with the speed of a phantom, the

loud

felt a sharp numbness