When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

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 tto 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 aze hardened. "So, once we retreat to Westhaven, we'll officially declare war? Are you tellingthat 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." 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 946 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." Penny's eyes flashed with anger. "You say you didn't mean it, yet your words clearly show otherwise." Lisandra raised her hand, signaling for Penny to hold her tongue. Amos shot her a smug look, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"If there's nothing further, I will take my leave Amos said, his tone casual, almost dismissive.

Lisandra looked at him coldly. "If you look down on women so much, then be prepared for women to slap that arrogance right off your face." Amos laughed softly, a hint of derision in his voice.

"Your Highness, such words only serve to lift someone else's spirit while diminishing your own. Two kingdoms are at odds, and yet, you're only concerned about defending women? The unfortunate truth is that the Hell Monarch's wife is a Starhaven native. No matter how highly you raise her, it won't help your desire to elevate women to power." With that, he bowed and withdrew.

Though enraged, Penny could only comfort Lisandra, saying, "Your Highness, don't let such short-sighted people provoke you. We can deal with him when we return to the capital."

Lisandra sighed deeply, her voice filled with weariness as she replied, "Why should I be angry with him? No, what angersis the king. Can this impulsive behavior be a blessing for Westhaven? He's followed Arthur for so many years, but learned nothing. I went through hell and back to help him rise to power, hoping he would carry on Arthur's legacy. Instead, all he thinks about is revenge. He's forgetting the people and the kingdom."

As the state of the nation weighed heavily on her mind, Lisandra felt utterly drained. She had been om involved in politics for years, yet it often seemed like those around her were bent on opposing her. Perhaps they weren't fighting against her personally, but rather her very identity as a woman.

Despite her talent for governing, no one would heed her. Progress was almost impossible. Before, she had the backing of her dad, the late king. But now, with the current king's lack of support, she felt powerless-as though she were nothing at all.