The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116 Heroes in the Painting

Chapter 116 Heroes in the Painting

Prince Adam’s POV:

“Did he really say that?” I asked. “He wants to take the punishment for Evelyn?”

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I sat on a cushioned bench, listening to my adjutant, Chase Foster’s report. A fine signet ring rolled between my fingers.

“It’s true,” Chase said, still shocked. “Has James lost his mind? Evelyn caused so many deaths, and now she wants to drag him down with her. And he’s willing to take the lashes for her? In the army, that’s a joke waiting to happen. Soldiers hate nothing more than leaders who play favorites and blur rewards and punishment.”

I smiled faintly, but a sour feeling rose in my chest.

James was foolish. Still, his devotion to Evelyn, or maybe his stubborn need to defend his choices, was startling.

“And what did the Duchess say?” I asked casually. My fingers rubbed the edge of the ring without thinking.

“The Duchess?” Chase chuckled. “She was ice-cold. She told him to do whatever he wants, as long as someone takes the punishment. She was savage. When he walked out, his face was ashen.”

The sour feeling vanished at once. In its place came a quiet, hard-to-name joy.

Good. Her heart hadn’t softened. She had truly let James go.

“That’s all; you can go now,” I said, waving Chase away. I stood and took two scrolls from a chest behind

Before I set off for war, I had secretly ordered these made, based on old court records and Cindy’s memories. They were redrawn by skilled artists.

I walked to Cindy’s tent.

“Your Highness?” She looked surprised to see me.

She had just finished bathing. Her hair was still damp. Without armor, she looked less like a soldier and more like a young woman.

“There’s something I want you to see,” I said, handing her the scrolls.

Cindy opened the first one in puzzlement.

It showed a stern older man riding a silver wolf, his eyes sharp and steady. That was her father, Benjamin.

She opened the second. Three young generals stood together, smiling, raising their cups in a toast. Those were her three brothers.

“This is…” Cindy’s hands began to shake. Her fingers traced their faces. Tears slid down her cheeks.

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09:39 Tue, Jan

Chapter 116 Heroes in the Painting

“Father… Brothers…”

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When her pack was wiped out, fire destroyed everything. Not even a single portrait was left behind.

That would have never healed.

“I know you miss them,” I said softly. “We’re going home soon. Take them with you. Let them see how remarkable you’ve become.”

Cindy clutched the scrolls and broke down, crying like a child.

In that moment, all her strength and guard fell away.

I stayed beside her in silence until she calmed down.

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