Chapter 93: Chapter 93: Growing Threats

Inside an elegantly furnished room, a single figure stood with an ashen face.

Surrounding him were several men in dark cloaks.

Each of them carried the presence of a veteran spy.

“Young Lord, what should we do now? That bastard is basically building an army called the Shadow-Blood Legion within the Academy premises. Though we don’t know this army’s goal, it would be best if we put out the fire before it grows too big.”

Logan’s face twisted into a sneer.

“So he wants revenge for that whore… I can’t let that happen, can I?”

“Should we intercept them inside the Academy, Young Lord?” one cloaked figure asked.

Logan shook his head.

“No. The Dean and the guardians are shrewd people. They know everything happening within the Academy. If we strike him here, they’ll intervene. And that’s because of Princess Mariana’s backing.”

“Brother, how did he pull Princess Mariana into this? He seems to be getting more powerful and charming lately,” Lexi inquired, confused.

Remembering this, Logan clenched his fist in jealousy.

“Hmph, that bastard must have used some kind of evil arts on the Princess. Anyway, he will never be accepted into the Royal Family. I heard she is already engaged to the Crown Prince of the Gratis Kingdom.”

“Young Lord, then we should wait for them to leave the Academy before striking.”

“Yes, let’s go with that for now.”

Logan smirked cruelly as he stood by the window.

While they plotted Adonis’s downfall, the Royal Palace was far from peaceful.

The grand hall of the Fernis Royal Palace stood in solemn silence.

Tall pillars carved with ancient runes stretched toward the high ceiling, where golden chandeliers bathed the chamber in a soft, regal glow. Crimson carpets ran across the polished marble floor, leading all the way to the elevated throne where the rulers of Fernis Kingdom presided.

The atmosphere was calm until the heavy doors of the hall opened with a deep echo.

Every noble, servant, and guard present instinctively turned their heads.

A woman entered.

She walked with measured elegance, her every step exuding authority and cold dignity. Her attire was rich and refined, embroidered with golden threads that reflected her royal status. Her sharp eyes scanned the hall with quiet superiority.

The Queen of the Gratis Kingdom had arrived.

Her presence alone was enough to make the air tense.

On the throne, the King Magnus narrowed his eyes slightly, while beside him, Queen Elenora sat upright, her expression calm yet attentive.

King Magnus spoke,

“Queen Lysandra, your arrival is sudden.”

Queen Lysandra offered a faint, polite smile, though it did not reach her eyes.

“I apologize for the unannounced visit. However, the matter I bring today cannot wait,” she replied smoothly.

Following her statement, a chill spread across the hall.

Queen Elenora leaned forward in curiosity,

“What matter could be so urgent, Queen Lysandra?”

For a brief moment, Lysandra remained silent. Then her expression turned enraged.

“It concerns your daughter.”

The temperature of the room seemed to drop instantly.

The King’s gaze turned cold as he spoke,

“Speak clearly.”

Lysandra clasped her hands lightly in front of her. She gave no respect to Magnus.

“Your precious daughter, Princess Mariana has entangled herself with a disgraceful individual within the Academy.”

Elenora’s brows furrowed, “What are you implying?”

Lysandra’s lips curved faintly. “I am not implying anything. I am stating facts.”

She took a slow step forward.

“The boy in question is an illegitimate bastard of the Kingsbane Duchy. He has a questionable origin and even more questionable character.”

Murmurs among the attendants and nobles spread quickly.

“What! The Princess is in a relationship with a disgraced bastard?”

“It seems so. But I didn’t expect this from our Princess.”

“She has fallen low. What a disgrace to the Royal family.”

The King’s expression darkened.

“Silence!” he barked thunderously, instantly shutting all murmurs.

He turned to Queen Lysandra, saying:

“Queen Lysandra, that is a serious accusation. You are aware of that right?”

Lysandra’s gaze remained unfazed.

“I know that, King Magnus. Buy my son witnessed it personally.”

“He saw your daughter willingly associating with this boy. Not only that…”

Her eyes flashed coldly.

“When my son confronted him, that bastard attacked him.”

Elenora’s eyes widened in shock.

“That boy attacked the Crown Prince?”

Lysandra’s voice turned colder,

“Yes. He threw the Crown Prince of the Gratis Kingdom out of a window.”

Silence. Absolute silence.

Even the guards stiffened. Does that boy not fear death?

The King slowly rose from his throne, his presence turning heavy.

“Explain yourself carefully, Queen Lysandra.”

But Lysandra did not back down.

“My son lies injured because of that boy. And your daughter stood by his side when it happened.”

Elenora’s hand tightened against the armrest.

“That— that is impossible.”

Her voice trembled slightly, more from disbelief than fear.

“My daughter would never lower herself to such a level.”

But even as she said it, doubt crept into her mind.

Lysandra did not miss that hesitation.

“You may choose to deny it, Queen Elenora. But the truth is truth. Your daughter has gone astray.”

She stepped closer, her gaze piercing.

“Your daughter has fallen for a bastard.”

The words struck like a blade.

Elenora inhaled sharply.

“My daughter? How could she…”

The King remained silent, but his expression had grown grim.

After a long pause, he finally spoke:

“Even if what you say is true, this matter must be handled carefully.”

Lysandra nodded slightly.

“That is precisely why I am here.”

She turned her gaze between the King and Queen.

“This situation cannot be allowed to escalate. The alliance between our kingdoms is too important.”

Elenora closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself.

“Our daughter is already engaged to your son,” she said quietly.

“Exactly,” Lysandra replied. “Which is why we must act now.”

The King folded his arms and asked, “What do you propose?”

Lysandra’s lips curved, “We must advance the marriage.”

Both rulers of Fernis Kingdom looked at her, seriously contemplating over her suggestion.

“The sooner the marriage is finalized, the sooner this distraction will be eliminated.

Once Princess Mariana becomes the Crown Princess of Gratis Kingdom, any improper connections will naturally be severed.”

Elenora seemed hesitating, “But this is too sudden.”

“Yes, this is sudden. But it is necessary for the alliance. Our neighbours are moving too fast these days.” Queen Lysandra added, voice filled with threats.

After hearing her, King Magnus slowly exhaled.

“If this matter spreads, it will damage both our reputations.”

Lysandra nodded,

“And if that bastard continues to gain influence within the Academy, the situation may worsen.”

Elenora looked conflicted.

“Queen Lysandra, my daughter is not a pawn to be moved so easily. ”

Queen Lysandra smirked,

“This is not about control. It is about protection.”.

“For her. For your kingdom. And for ours.”

The King glanced at Elenora.

Their eyes met.

A silent conversation passed between them.

Then he turned back to Lysandra.

“When do you propose this marriage take place?”

Lysandra’s smirked deepened as the King played right under her hands.

“As soon as possible,” she replied.

Elenora lowered her gaze. Her heart felt heavy. Her daughter… Had things truly gone this far?

Had she truly fallen for someone she should not?

The King finally nodded.

“Very well. We will consider advancing the marriage. But the date needs to be decided carefully l.”

Lysandra smiled broadened, though a hidden evil flash passed through her eyes.

“We will respect your decision, My King. But make it quick.”

The gears of power had already begun to roll.

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