Upon hearing that Hayden had taken his own life, Nicholas was momentarily stunned.noveldrama

Then, he cried out in a voice filled with despair, "Dad, you didn't have to die for your crimes! I promised I would take the blame for you!"

Chaya hadn't planned on living anyway, having resolved to follow Hayden to the grave. So, when she heard Nicholas' words, she fearlessly rushed forward and struck him on his head.

Her fist was powerful, landing squarely on the top of his skull. Nicholas felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck him. For a long moment, his head buzzed. Finally, he looked up and glared at her, a venomous look in his eyes.

Chaya spat at him and coldly said, "You wretched man! You've used the lives of Nerovia's people and the old retainers of the estate to blackmail Prince Hayden into taking the fall for you. Prince Hayden never had any intention of rebellion. Even under your strict surveillance, he tried to send word to Commander Sinclair. Don't you dare tarnish his name!"

After Chaya finished speaking, she dropped to her knees. With tears in her eyes, she pleaded, "Your Majesty, please see the truth. Prince Hayden never plotted against you. It was Prince Nicholas who said that if his plan succeeded, everything would be fine. If it failed, he would have the people of Nerovia slaughtered.

"That is how he has always manipulated Prince Hayden. Nicholas killed all of Prince Hayden's allies; there are hardly any left now. Prince Hayden said he was ashamed of raising such a villainous son and couldn't face the world. So, he chose to take his own life. Please, Your Majesty, send help to Nerovia. The people there will die!"

As Chaya spoke, she remembered Hayden's final moments, and her heart ached with unbearable sorrow. She began to weep uncontrollably, her cries echoing through the hall.

Concerned that her grief might cause her to lose her composure, Davis quickly spoke up, "Ms. Kingsley, please don't cry. The people of Nerovia are safe. A messenger carrying Prince Hayden's emblem was sent there long ago. The court has already taken control of Nerovia. No harm will come to its people." Nicholas jerked his head up, his face ashen.

"Impossible!" he blurted out.

The emblem was in his hands. How could the officials in Nerovia fail to recognize the real one? If they saw it was fake, they would never allow the messenger to leave the city, unless... unless the army was involved.

But there couldn't possibly be enough soldiers to surround the city!

Sensing Nicholas' confusion, Davis smiled coldly. "Oh, you didn't know? We've already taken over Nerovia. Otherwise, how would we know about your secret code with Mr. Murphy? How else could Mr. Spencer have impersonated Mr. Murphy to deceive you?"

Davis deliberately mentioned

Eustace, as he hoped to remind

Salvador of the Spencer family's

loyalty. This was meant to offset the

actions of the third son of the

family's collateral branch, who

secretly helped Nicholas steal 500 warhorses.

Nicholas could no longer claim he wanted to take the blame for his dad. Never in all his plans had he predicted that Nerovia would fall.

That place had been his stronghold.

He had never forgotten that Nerovia had once revered Hayden above all else. But before taking action, Nicholas had already secured the emblem. Looking back, he realized he had taken it too late.

He had been careless. He thought that since Hayden left Nerovia so long ago, nothing would stir up trouble. He had never expected that a single emblem could bring it down.

Nicholas' lips moved, but no words came out. He lifted his gaze to Salvador, fixating on the throne where the king sat. His eyes burned with longing and frustration.

It was so close just one step away-but now, it was beyond his reach, forever.

And without that, death was all that awaited him.

Salvador's sharp gaze fixed on Nicholas. His voice rang out coldly, "Take him to Astral Prison. Once all the rebels are captured, we will execute them."

Nicholas was dragged away. His eyes, once dull and lifeless, flickered with a faint spark at Salvador's words.

Yes, not all of his men had been caught yet. At least Clifford was still free. As long as that man lived, there was still hope.

Clifford harbored more hatred for Sigmund than anyone else. Naturally, that hatred extended to Salvador, Sigmund's son. Clifford was determined to see the favored child of the late king dragged from the throne.

As Derek escorted Chaya out, all the officials present watched silently, aware of her identity and too cautious to address her in the king's presence. However, Derek wasn't leading her out of the palace; he was taking her to Serenity Palace. With Carissa there, Chaya would be well cared for.

When Carissa heard of Hayden's suicide, she paused for a moment as a wave of sorrow washed over

her.

In this rebellion, he had been the one to suffer the most, enduring torment and anguish like no other. Yet, from beginning to end, his loyalty had never wavered.

Her eyes reddened, and despite her efforts, she couldn't hold back the tears that silently streamed down her cheeks.

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