Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 946

Knowing that victory was all but assured, and with Edmund's royal edict backing him, Amos straightened his back, his expression firm.

He furrowed his brow and said, "Your Highness, such words are unflattering. To speak of the fall of Westhaven with such certainty—that's not something I expect to hear from you. To belittle your own country like that is beneath someone of your position. I don't think Mr. Stellwyn's actions are in any way misguided.

"As I've said, it's a two-pronged approach. If they're willing to negotiate, we're prepared to talk. But if they refuse, war will be inevitable. Capturing the Hell Monarch's wife is a move akin to what Aurora did to the former crown prince. Should war break out, having the Hell Monarch's wife as a prisoner on the battlefield at Victory Pass will force the Sullivan family's forces to retreat. It'll be just like how Marshal Liam signed that humiliating treaty after Aurora captured our crown prince."

Lisandra's fury ignited as she slammed her hand on the table. "You're being utterly foolish! When Marshal Liam did that, it was because Aurora captured our heir. At the time, the court was in disarray due to my father's illness, and the country was on the brink of collapse.

"If we hadn't stabilized the throne, the entire government could have fallen. And now, you compare the Hell Monarch's wife to an heir to the throne? I was right in saying you are all reckless and naive. Have you ever taken the time to understand Lady Carissa? Do you know anything about the Sullivan family's generals or their army?"

Amos didn't see Carissa as much of a threat. Yes, her dad was Grand General Hector and she had fought at the Southern Frontier, but she was still a woman—unprepared for this kind of confrontation. With Icarus leading the charge and Harvey's suicide soldiers by his side, failure was simply not possible.

"Of course we do," Amos said, dismissing Lisandra's concerns. "This wasn't a rash decision. The plan has been meticulously arranged. Carissa will fall into our hands without fail. As for where she'll be held, we've already secured Hartstone Estate. From there, we'll find a way to send her out of the city safely. If the negotiations fail, they won't dare harm an envoy. We'll retreat to Westhaven safely and declare war."

Lisandra's gaze hardened. "So, once we retreat to Westhaven, we'll officially declare war? Are you telling me that the moment we left for Starhaven, King Edmund already began gathering troops at Fawnrun City?"

Amos met her gaze coldly. "Exactly. His Majesty is decisive and wise, a monarch who would never falter out of sentimentality. I believe that men, not women, should rule the world. I'm not suggesting you're weak, Your Highness, but there are times when retreat is not an option."

Penny couldn't hold back any longer and interjected coldly, "It sounds like you're not only looking down on Her Highness, Mr. Bailey, but also women in general."

Amos gave a faint smile and raised his hand in a small, respectful gesture to Lisandra. "Your Highness, I didn't mean any offense."