Ch. 239 The First Trap (2)

As soon as Ophelia came up with a solution for one problem, another one appeared like unkillable vermin. Her face wrinkled in a scowl, and she snapped at her lady-in-waiting.

What is it this time?

Ca.s.sana hurried inside, her face pale.

Its about the Second Prince

What about Redfield?

He was arrested by Carlisle during a party!

What?!

Ophelia could not suppress her anger any longer and leapt to her feet. Cesares eyes widened in disbelief as he turned towards Ca.s.sana.

What are you talking about? Whats the reason for the Second Princes arrest?

He was under suspicion for illegal drug use

What? Drugs?

Cesares face turned ugly. Neither Ophelia nor Cesare spoke, knowing full well the nature of Redfields parties. It was impossible not to. More than once, it fell upon Empress Ophelia to silence the n.o.bles who tried to come forward because of Redfields proclivities.

Ophelias face flushed with rage. It was rare for her to ever lose her composure.

I had cautioned him, and yet!

Ever since Carlisle returned to the Imperial Palace, Ophelia repeatedly warned her son to keep his head down. She was furious that he kept disobeying her and partic.i.p.ating in activities that would threaten their familys stability.

What should I do, sister?

Cesare looked up at Ophelias clenched fists and hard eyes. He knew this was serious. Ophelia had gathered this much power for Redfields sake. If he could not succeed the throne, then her current influence would crumble to dust. The Anita family had produced a great number of generals before, but it was nothing compared to the absolute power of the emperor.

Ophelia barely managed to hold back her surging anger.

Did you find out where Redfield is being held?

We dont know the exact location yet, but witnesses say he was dragged into the Crown Princes palace.

At Ca.s.sanas words, a cold light shone from Ophelias eyes.

Cesare.

Yes, my sister.

Gather all your forces immediately and search the Crown Princes palace.

It was a more aggressive than expected, and both Cesare and Ca.s.sana looked at Ophelia with startled expressions. However, the Empress continued on as if she already made up her mind.

Use any means to enter the Crown Princes palace and bring Redfield back to me.

Her sons capture by the Crown Prince was enough to shake the Empress influence. While some plans required a slow unfurling, there were other times where one could not yield.

Such was a time. Redfield could never be surrendered under any circ.u.mstances.

After a brief pause, Cesare bowed and answered with a loyal shout.

I will obey you!

*

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As Elena woke up at dawn, she sensed a strange air surrounding the Imperial Palace. Mirabelle was still asleep, but Elenas senses were more acute than a normal persons. She looked around warily as a murderous intent seemed to press in on the walls.

Seueug

Elena opened the window in the guest room and looked outside. Through the dark, she saw hundreds of torches in the distance moving in perfect unison. It was a scene that reminded her of Blaise Castle in her last life. Something extraordinary must have happened.

Elena hastily changed from her nightgown into a dress. She left the room silently and gave orders to the maid at the entrance, who jerked awake from her doze.

Call Mary and the nanny to the guest room. Tell them that Mirabelle shouldnt be disturbed and should stay asleep.

The maid seemed surprised by Elenas sudden appearance, but she immediately answered with a bow.

Ah, yes, Your Highness.

Those were the two Elena could trust Mirabelle to while she was away. Elena continued again in a low voice.

Send someone to Blaise mansion as soon as its light, and tell Derek to pick up Mirabelle from the palace.

It wasnt immediately clear how perilous the situation was, but Mirabelle needed to return home. In case of any danger, Derek would be able to bring her to safety.

The maid quickly gave another bow.

As you command, Your Highness.

With Mirabelles safety secured, Elena then moved to Carlisles office. In a situation like this, he was likely not asleep in their bedroom, and was either in his office or at the front of command.

Elenas guess was right, and when she opened his office door, he found his head bent towards Zenard in deep conversation.

Caril.

Carlisle glanced up at her appearance, then looked back at Zenard.

Do as I told you and leave now.

Yes, Your Highness.

Zenard bowed to Carlisle and then to Elena, then disappeared from the office in the blink of an eye. When only the pair of them were left, Elena turned towards Carlisle with a serious look.

What on earth is going on?

Carlisle looked relaxed in the face of Elenas worry.

Are you awake already? You may sleep more.

I cant sleep when there are people everywhere.

So there are.

Carlisle gave an easy grin, and Elena became even more confused.

I know youre hiding something from me. Now tell me, what are you up to?

I tried to cover it up as much as possible because of your injury, but now that the plan has been put into motion, I cant hide it anymore.

Carlisle held out a doc.u.ment that said Confidential towards Elena. She took it with a questioning glance, and Carlisle continued.

Read it. Ill explain as you go.