“Your Highness? Your Highness! Wake up! Wake up!” Eloise, witnessing Rufus devoid of life, was plunged into inconsolable grief, wailing with profound sorrow.
The suddenness of it all caught her completely off guard. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine Rufus would die in her arms.
Those who rushed to the scene were similarly moved to tears, for Rufus was not only the heart of the castle but also the linchpin of the entire West Lucozia.
As time passed, the dawn gradually broke, casting a somber atmosphere over the entire castle. The hall, once a place of bustling activity, was now transformed into a memorial hall adorned with white lilies.
A finely crafted black coffin took center stage, containing the peacefully laid- out Rufus in resplendent attire.
Mourners, which consisted of mostly loyal castle personnel and members of the Rhys family, dressed in mourning attire filled the hall.
Eloise, kneeling at the forefront, gazed at Rufus’s portrait with tears silently streaming down her face.
Albert, entering the hall, approached Eloise after paying his respects to Rufus. He bowed deeply.
“Your Highness, the prince’s arrangements have been completed as per your instructions. The news is sealed, and precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary panic,” he whispered.
“Have they caught the assailant?” Wiping away her tears, she now exuded a fierce determination. Witnessing her husband’s assassination, she yearned to exact revenge on the perpetrator.
“The assailant’s cultivation is formidable. Our pursuit was unsuccessful,” Albert replied.
“This is related to the Dragon Guard’s remnants. Dispatch someone to investigate immediately and bring the assassin to justice. If necessary, deploy the Black Dragon Army,” Eloise ordered.
“Understood.” He nodded and discreetly left.
“When is Austin returning?” She asked the female guard.
“Sir Austin has been conducting exercises at the border. I’ve already sent word; he should arrive by afternoon,” the guard replied softly.
“Inform everyone: the castle is on high alert. No one is allowed to leave without authorization,” Eloise commanded.
“Yes!” The guard saluted and departed.
“Your Highness, rest assured, I will avenge you!” Eloise, gazing at Rufus’s portrait, murmured before leaving the memorial.
In the castle’s garden, a fully armed contingent of castle guards led by General Steele awaited Eloise’s orders.
“General Steele, are all preparations in order?” Eloise scanned the elite force of a hundred soldiers known as the Draken Guardians.
These personal guards, cultivated within the castle, were chosen meticulously from the Black Dragon Army. Each member was not only exceptionally skilled but also unwaveringly loyal.
They were ready to sacrifice their lives for the castle without hesitation. Eloise was reluctant to deploy the Draken Guardians unless it was necessary.
“Yes, Your Highness. The Draken Guardians are assembled and ready for your command.” Jaxon lowered his head and nodded.
“The attempt on His Highness’s life was not by chance. Without internal assistance, the assassin couldn’t have infiltrated the castle undetected.
“The crisis within the castle remains unresolved. We must be vigilant!” Eloise declared.
