When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 945 When Lisandra returned to Concord Lodge, she realized that neither Leroy nor Icarus had cback. A sense of unease gripped her heart; she felt that something had gone terribly wrong.

Her uncle, Leroy, was the most reckless and troublesmember of the Stellwyn family. It wasn't that he lacked ability on the contrary, he was bold and skilled-but his arrogance and impulsive, reckless behavior often led him to act without thinking.

Lisandra turned to one of the female officials, Penny Durham, and ordered sharply in a firm tone, "Bring Amos to me! Immediately!" Amos was one of Westhaven's Secretaries of State and also Leroy's brother-in-law. The two had been in close discussion throughout the journey, so he certainly knew what Leroy and Icarus had planned for tonight.

After returning to his room, Amos had been waiting for news. He knew exactly what Leroy was up to. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Everything had been carefully arranged. When Amos had last seen Leroy, the mission was already half-complete, with the latter successfully luring the Hell Monarch away.

Once Rafael was out of the way, capturing Carissa would be easy. After all, when they ctonight, the couple had only brought a coachman and a maid with them. As long as the prince was out of the picture, it didn't matter how skilled Carissa was in martial arts. She would have no chance against Icarus and the elite suicide soldiers Harvey had dispatched.

The operation was bound to succeed.

"Mr. Bailey, Her Highness requests your presence," cPenny's voice from outside the door.

Amos stood up and opened the door. While this plan had been kept secret from Lisandra, now that it was in motion and sure to succeed, it was tto inform her.

The grand princess had always been against starting a war. She only wanted justice from Starhaven, but the truth could only be revealed on the battlefield. Without military action, how could they renegotiate borders or receive the apologies and reparations they were owed? Amos followed Penny into the side hall where Lisandra resided. Under the dim light, the grand princess' expression was cold and stern, a far cry from the gentle demeanor she had shown at the palace banquet earlier that evening.

Without waiting for his greeting, Lisandra's voice cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory, “Where are Leroy and Icarus? What are you lot plotting behind my back?" Amos bowed and answered, "Your Highness, Mr. Stellwyn is responsible for luring the Hell 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 945 Monarch away, while Commander Icarus and the suicide soldiers are tasked with capturing Lady Carissa.” "Nonsense!" Lisandra slammed her hand on the table, her face red with anger. "How dare you? This is Starhaven, not Westhaven! You've taken it upon yourselves to abduct the Hell Monarch's wife? If this fails, have you considered the you considered the consequences?" Amos confidently replied, "Your Highness, please do not worry. Failure is impossible. Even if something goes wrong, it will not be our fault" "How could it not be our fault? Icarus went personally," Lisandra snapped.

"Your Highness, please remain calm," Amos replied, trying to soothe her. "Do you remember that man who accompanied us to Starhaven? The one next to Mr. Stellwyn? He's Prince Harvey. He was part of the plan tonight. He sent those suicide soldiers, who are all from Starhaven. Even if tonight's mission fails and we cannot abduct the Hell Monarch's wife, Commander Icarus can still walk away unscathed." Lisandra shook her head, disappointment filling her eyes. "You've underestimated everything. The Hell Monarch's wife spent her youth learning martial arts at Meadow Ridge. Her skills are likely no less than Icarus'.

"Before you tried to capture anyone, did you bother to find out who you were dealing with? And let's assume, for a moment, that you succeed. What happens when the Hell Monarch realizes his wife is missing? Do you think he won't suspect us? Tomorrow is the day of the negotiations..." The grand princess paused, taking a deep breath before glaring at him. "I see now. You all have been so focused on the idea of war that you've forgotten about diplomacy entirely." "Mr. Stellwyn and I just wanted to be prepared. We never said we wouldn't negotiate. And frankly, Your Highness, I believe war wouldn't be such a bad option. Starhaven has been oppressive and you've always said you wanted justice. Prince Arthur was your brother. Don't you want to avenge him?" Amos countered, determined to defend their actions.

Her anger evident, Lisandra responded sharply, “I cto Starhaven to seek justice, not to bring about war. Do you think the only way to achieve justice is through bloodshed and destruction? You all sit comfortably in your high positions, your throwing around the idea of war like it's nothing. Why don't I see any of you charging into battle, fighting as soldiers?" Amos didn't show her the srespect he would have in Westhaven. Instead, he sneered and said, "I'm a civil official, Your Highness. Of course, I can't fight on the frontlines. But Mr. Stellwyn can. During the battle at Victory Pass, he led the campaign, forcing the Sullivan Army to retreat. He even nearly killed General Sullivan." His words made it clear, despite the subtlety, that he was pushing Lisandra to see things his way. His attitude only reinforced the suspicion that Edmund was orchestrating this entire schbehind the scenes.

+25 BONUS Chapter 945 Edmund had agreed to the negotiations outwardly, but had never truly given up on the idea of war.

Lisandra's face paled. She sighed heavily, her voice filled with weariness as she spoke, "I've warned you all tand agam-never underestimate your enemy. Over the years, my dad and I have worked tirelessly to bring stability to the kingdom. But none of you care about the people.

"Have you seen the national treasury's records? The famine last year-did you see the devastation? A desire for revenge could lead to the people ve suffering, being displaced, starving, or even resorting to cannibalism. Those of you in power sit comfortably in your positions, indifferent to the lives of the common folk. In your hands, Westhaven will eventually collapse."