Chapter 384
Trembling with fear, Kendra clutched her shoulders and looked at Xander in despair, pleading, “Xander, please forgive me this once. I know I was wrong–1 shouldn’t have framed your mother, but I truly had no other choice”
Yet even now, she stubbornly clung to her belief in her own innocence.
Xander’s face was livid as he glared at her coldly. “You’re not remorseful: you’re just terrified. Now that the Xander Manor and Porter Mansion have completely cut ties, you have no backing left. Your only option is to be married off to distant Norcold”
“You know perfectly well how Mother has treated you all these years,” Nander said coldly. “Yet you still chose to frame her–and utterly broke her
heart”
Xander looked at Kendra, his eyes filled with profound disappointment. “From now on, you’re on your own. Make your own choices–and live with the consequences.
Without another word, Xander reached out and took Athena by the wrist, then strode out of Porter Mansion, never once looking back.
Kendra and Issa collapsed to the ground, their eyes filled with utter despair.
The very next day, the Xander Manor issued an official declaration, severing all familial ties with Porter Mansion.
From this day forth, the two households would have no further dealings.
Arthur was visibly taken aback when he heard the news. “Mrs. Cavendish always favored Kendra the most. How could the two families severlies so abruptly?”
Xander had clamped down on the news. All those privy to the matter were silenced. Only scattered fragments of the matter managed to reach Arthur.
Thanatus shook his head in confusion. “Your Majesty, this humble servant truly does not know. Perhaps Kendra kept hounding Xander, and he simply grew tired of her constant pestering, so he severed all ties”
Arthur thought to himself, That actually makes some sense.
Since the matter between the two households had no bearing on state affain, Arthur chose not to pursue it further.
“Shouldn’t Lizzie’s coffin be transported to her territory by now?” he asked again.
Thanatus nodded respectfully. “Your Majesty, the coffin has remained in the city for the full mourning period of forty–nine days.
“Have Ferris escort her coffin back to her place. While he’s at it, bring the Norcold envoys back as well” Arthur took a sip of coffee, a satisfied look on his face.
‘Once the political marriage alliance between Nortcold and the Petanion succeeds, it will secure a century of peace, Arthur wondered. A single woman to avert war–that’s a shrewd deal
Therefore, we must handle this matter with the utmost caution
After a moment’s thought, Arthur declared, “Appoint Ferris as Commander of the Argis Guard He is to lead two thousand of our elite troops and must ensure the envoys from Norcold are safely escorted back to the capital”
Thanatus gazed at Arthur in astonishment, his lips parting slightly, then closing again as years of conditioned obedience held his tongue.
Thanarus thought to himself, The Aegis Guards! Those are the elite forces personally trained by Prince Xander
Each Aegis Guard was worth a hundred men–fearless and peerless in battle.
Arthur’s bestowal of such sweeping powers upon Ferris left no doubt about his favor.
With a disdainful chuckle, Anhur fixed his contemptuous gaze and said. “What, do you think I have shown him too much favor!”
Since he dared to empower Ferris, he had no fear of betrayal. After all, be held enough leverage over Ferris to keep him firmly in line.
Thanatus bowed his head, shaking it vigorously. “I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty.”
Arthur rose from the desk, his voluminous sleeves draped behind his back
Arthur paced to the window, his piercing gaze sweeping over Pidence City from his commanding vantage point. “It’s easy to seize a kingdom, but
3.15 PM
Chapter 351
far harder to keep it secure.
“The late King entrusted this throne to me, and I must safeguard this realm to honor his legacy.” Ver there are matters I cannot address openly- that’s where Fems becomes my blade in the shadows.
“The greater his power, the more fear it will strike into those scheming hearts.
Arthur let out a weary sigh. “I’m growing old, and time is running shon. Before my son ascends the throne, I must pave the way for him. This is all I can do for my son now.”
Now, peace reigns crossed the realm, and its borders were tranquil. Only Xander remained as the final loose cannon.
Xander was far too powerful–so formidable that Arthur lay awake night after night in dread.
Night after night, he would jolt awake in a cold sweat from recurring nightmares–visions of Xander leading his elite cavalry to storm Pidence City and behead him.
In his nightmare, Xander sat upon the throne, clad in imperial robes. Even just recalling that nightmare sent a chill down Arthur’s spine.
Arthur thought to himself, Xander pust never be allowed to remain in Pidence City. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t even let Xander live
meat drenched Thanatus as he murmured a low yes and began backing away.
Arthur called him back. “Let’s go to Phoenix Hall”
“Yes. Your Majesty,” Thanatus replied respectfully. He hastily ordered a royal attendant to deliver a message to the Queen’s palace.
Upon hearing the news, the Queen’s face showed no trace of joy–only surprise,
The Queen applied her makeup before the mirror, visibly impatient. She muttered, “His Majesty hasn’t visited my chambers in a whole year. What’s gotten into him today, that he’s actually remembered I even exist?”
The young palace maid, applying makeup for the Queen with an ingratiating smile, fawnrd. “His Majesty must be deeply moved by Your Majesty’s tireless devotion. That is why he has made this special visit
The Queen merely smiled dismissively. “I highly doubt that”
The Queen thought to herself, “We have long been an old married couple–what affection could possibly remain between them? Nothing remained but mutual interests and leverage.
‘If it weren’t for Fermin’s claim to the Crown Prince title, I wouldn’t even bother with this power struggle, the Queen thought to herself
With her makeup complete, the Queen, accompanied by her attendants, proceeded to the palace entrance to receive the King.
Before long, Arthur’s imperial procession arrived at Phoenix Hall
The Queen curtsied deeply, her demeanor respectful, “Welcome, Your Majesty
Arthur surveyed the resplendent palace and gave a slight nod. “I heard you caught a cold, so I made a special trip to see you”
With a dismissive wave, Arthur said, “No need for such formalities, my Queen. You may rise”
The King’s tone carried not a shred of genuine concern–a familiar indifference the Queen had long since grown numb to
as
But in front of Arthur, she still had to keep up the charade.
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