Her Graceful War Song novel 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.

"He sounds like a gentle, virtuous man, right? But his heart is more ruthless than anyone's. Those who follow him live, while those who oppose him die. If anyone speaks against him, he'll 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 fault on his part."

Chaya had thought Nicholas only wanted Hayden as a puppet king, to bear the weight of the people's hatred. But now, it seemed he was also a tool for carrying out unspeakable atrocities.

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

Hayden's 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 if he regrets it."

"And if he succeeds?" Chaya asked softly.

He lifted the small brocade box in his hand and opened it with a snap. Inside was a pill. "If he succeeds, I won't become a puppet king. He'll have to ascend the throne himself. That way, he won't be able to threaten me again with the massacre of Nerovia's people."

Chaya looked at the pill in the box, then smiled as she pulled out her hairpin. "This hairpin is quite sharp. If you go, I'll go with you."