The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 149

Chapter 149 Assessing Me

Chapter 149 Assessing Me

We left the Rose Palace and made our way to Stillwater Palace.

The instant we stepped inside, Elizabeth’s clear, ringing laughter burst from the room.

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“Hahaha! Oh gods, that’s priceless!” She laughed until she bent over, smacking her thigh. “That idiot finally ran into someone she can’t bully. Cindy, you’re her natural counter! Beautifully done! Absolutely cathartic!”

I let out a quiet sigh, feeling somewhat powerless. “Queen Mother, I never intended to let things escalate like that. She insulted my father and brother first.”

“She deserved every bit of it.” Elizabeth scoffed. “Ignore her. Let her stew on it for a few days.”

At that moment, a herald announced loudly from outside. “His Majesty King Ryken has arrived!”

Ryken entered dressed simply.

Though he was already over two centuries old, his frame was still imposing, and his eyes were so keen you couldn’t hold his gaze for long.

I immediately stepped forward to salute.

He waved it off, signaling me to rise, then took a seat beside Elizabeth, studying me from head to toe with an unreadable expression.

“You handled Southreach well,” he said calmly.

“It was thanks to the courage of the kingdom’s soldiers,” I replied formally.

He chuckled, then abruptly shifted the topic. “Cindy, there’s something I’ve been curious about. During the Southreach operation, Adam placed James at the vanguard. Everyone knows James is your former husband, and that there’s hostility between you. Wasn’t that a gamble? If James had let personal grudges interfere, wouldn’t that mean Adam misjudged his deployment? Some even claim the disorder in assignments gave Evelyn the chance to defy orders and steal the spotlight.”

A sharp chill ran through me. My spine stiffened.

That question was edged like a knife.

“Your Majesty, I don’t agree with that interpretation.”

I raised my head and met his stare, my tone unwavering as I said, “There is no certainty in war; only appropriate choices for each move. James has his faults, but as a weapon, he’s honed and lethal, making him ideal for leading a breakthrough. His Highness evaluated his ability, not his temperament. That’s the judgment of a true commander.

“As for Evelyn’s actions, those were driven by her own ambition and recklessness. They had nothing to do with His Highness’ decision. And ultimately, the outcome speaks for itself. Southreach was secured. The vampires were driven out. Victory alone proves that the call was correct.

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Chapter 149 Assessing Me

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“Therefore, His Highness made no mistake. He was the most outstanding grand marshal of the entire campaign.”

The hall fell silent for several breaths.

Ryken studied me, his gaze deepening, dark and inscrutable.

Then he laughed, which was layered with meaning.

“Well, would you look at that,” he said to Elizabeth, clicking his tongue. “Not even married yet, and she’s already shielding him. Guarding him before the vows are even spoken.”

I blinked, a cold sensation sliding down my back.

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