로그인Chapter 118Cassian's POVWe were halfway to the East Ridge when the first signal came. Three whistles sounded from somewhere ahead. I raised my hand, and the warriors behind me stopped immediately.Brandon moved closer."That's our signal," he said. "Someone has reached the watchtower.""Or someone wants us to think they have." I looked at Lilith, she was riding beside me, her attention fixed on the narrow path ahead."Stay close," I told her."I am close.""Closer than that." She gave me a brief look but moved her horse nearer to mine.Brandon shook his head. "Can we concentrate on the people who are trying to kill us before the two of you start arguing?""Keep talking, Brandon," I replied. "I'll find you something useful to do." He gave a short laugh. Then, we continued towards the watchtower.When we reached the ridge, I saw one of our warriors lying beside the path. Two others were crouched behind a fallen tree, watching the tower.I dismounted. "What happened?"One of them stoo
Chapter 118 Cassian's POV The message was waiting for me when we returned to the Keep. Brandon handed it to me before I had even removed my coat. It was a small piece of paper, folded twice, with no seal or name attached to it. "Where did this come from?" I asked. "One of the border guards found it outside the western gate. It was addressed to you." I unfolded it. You have been looking in the wrong direction, King. Your people are paying for the questions you keep asking. If you want the prisoners returned alive, come to the old boundary crossing before sunrise. Come alone. I read it twice before handing it to Brandon. "They know we're investigating something," I said. "Or they've been watching us closely enough to work it out." "Either way, they know where to strike." Brandon studied the message. "The attacks on the southern village and the training grounds were too well coordinated to be random. Whoever these men are, they know our territory." "And they kn
Chapter 117Cassian POVThe southern village was in a terrible state when we arrived.Several houses had been damaged, and smoke was rising from a building near the village square. Warriors were helping the injured while others searched the surrounding area for anyone who might still be trapped.I dismounted and handed my horse to one of the guards."Where is the commander?""Over there, Your Majesty."I followed his direction.A group of warriors stood near a damaged building. Their commander was speaking to a healer, who was examining a wounded man.When he saw me, he immediately approached."Your Majesty.""Report.""We were caught off guard. The attackers entered through the eastern road and split into smaller groups. Some went towards the houses while the others moved towards the main square.""Why weren't they stopped?""We tried, but they had already surrounded the village before our men realised what was happening.""How many?""Approximately thirty-five.""Where are they now?
Chapter 116Cassian's POV"Something is wrong."I looked up from the papers on my desk.Lilith stood near the window, holding a report she had been reading for the past few minutes. She hadn't said much since we returned from the council meeting, but I had noticed that she kept going over the same page."What is it?"She placed the report on my desk."Look at these figures."I glanced at the document.It contained a list of supplies delivered to the southern territory over the past few weeks. Food, weapons, medical supplies, and other necessities were all accounted for."What am I looking at?""The last three deliveries to the southern outpost were recorded as received, but the men stationed there say they never arrived."I looked at her again."Are you sure?""Brandon checked the records. The supplies were signed for, and the people responsible for delivering them confirmed that they completed their journeys.""Then someone is lying.""That's what I thought."I picked up the report a
Chapter 115 Morgana sat on the cold floor of her cell, staring at the bowl of water beside her. She had barely touched it. The guards had brought food and water hours ago, but she had no appetite. Her mind was occupied with something far more important than hunger. The last attack had failed. Cassian had discovered the dark substance in the water supply before it could do more damage. Worse, Lilith had recognised the danger almost immediately. If they had been given more time, the substance might have spread through the kingdom before anyone realised what was happening. Morgana clenched her hands. She had expected the plan to work. The dark grease had been designed to contaminate the water without changing its taste or smell. It was supposed to weaken the guards, sicken the horses, and leave the kingdom vulnerable to another attack. Instead, Cassian had stopped it. And now she was in a dungeon with the man who had taught her that failure always came at a price. Ac
Chapter 114For several seconds, nobody spoke.The older man stood before us, his eyes fixed on Lilith. His accusation had left the room silent, but I could see the anger building inside me.I stepped forward."Explain what you just said."The man swallowed. His eyes moved from me to Lilith before returning to my face."I know how it sounds, Your Majesty, but I wouldn't have come here if I didn't have proof.""Then you had better start talking."Brandon moved closer to the man, positioning himself where he could reach him if he tried anything foolish."What's your name?" Brandon asked."Edwin.""Edwin what?""Edwin Hale. I served as a record keeper for the council many years ago."I studied him."A record keeper?""Yes, Your Majesty. I was responsible for documenting certain council meetings and keeping copies of important decisions.""Then you should know that making false accusations against the Queen is a serious offence.""I know." He lowered his head. "And I also know that if I h







