Chapter 1348
Hayden let out a cold grunt. He deliberately turned his face away, refusing to look at Nicholas.
Nicholas stood tall and elegant, though he wore Gordon’s face.
In a calm and steady tone, he said, “I will fulfill my promises to you. The riverworks project will be completed. There will be no senseless bloodshed, no harm to the people of the capital, no destruction of crops. And rest assured, Dad, I will not let you die. Once I claim the throne promise you, you will be the one to ascend to the royal seat.”
Hayden scoffed, the derision in his voice unmistakable. “You really are the picture of a devoted son.”
Nicholas‘ gaze remained steady, his words sincere. “I have Nowed, and I will keep my word. You will sit on the throne, ruling over all. No more threats from Sandoria, no more stagnation at the borders with Westhaven. The people will prosper, and Starhaven will flourish.
Hayden spat contemptuously. “You, an ungrateful traitor working with Sandoria and Westhaven, have the andarity to say such things. It makes me sick to my core.”
Nicholas remained unflinching. “That was merely a temporary measure. Once you are crowned, I will turn the tide, expel the enemies, and ensure they never dare to threaten us again.”
Hayden’s fingers itched, as if he wished to tear away Nichols‘ facade and see if there truly was a wolf’s skin beneath this so–called gentle exterior.
How could he say such things with a straight face? How could he have such a heart?
The Southern Frontier had been reclaimed at such a cost. Countless soldiers had fallen in the effort, their bones forever buried in that land. And now, Nicholas wanted to hand it over?
If the Southern Frontier fell into the hands of Sandoria, was it really so easy to just take it back? Or was he planning on gifting the land to them?
To Nicholas, the land had no value. All he cared about was the throne.
“You alone are a traitor. Don’t you dare use my name to further your ambitions! You thought of a good plan, didn’t you? The common people will call me the traitor, the rebel who plotted to overthrow the throne. Throughout history, I’ll be remembered as the man who betrayed the kingdom. You’ll make yourself look clean, all while gaining a reputation for being a devoted son.”
Hayden knew his son better than anyone.
Nicholas was a man who spoke of benevolence and righteousness, but whose actions threatened the very foundation of the nation.
If he were truly so devoted, Nicholas would have listened to Hayden. He would have obediently remained a county duke and lived a life of idle wealth and leisure without care.
“Say whatever you wish, Dad. You likely will never understand this act of devotion of mine. Rest assured, Violet and the others will be allowed to leave safely,” Nicholas said calmly.
Hayden’s fury flared. “Dare you prevent them from leaving I’ll expose your schemes to the world!”
His eyes burned with rage.
Nicholas simply smiled, unruffled.
“Even if you expose me, it would make no difference. The eng already knows about me, and the checkpoints in
the capital are tightly controlled. They’re just waiting for me to enter the city. They hope the riverworks project will be completed, and the Royal Astronomer has forecasted heavy rains this year. The river channels are essential Besides, once you ascend to the throne, this will be a political achievement for you–something to gain the respect of the world.”
The fire in Hayden’s gaze seemed to scorch him. “You’re well–prepared, but you won’t succeed.”
Nicholas‘ smile never faltered. “What use is preparation? The true generals are already on the battlefield. Do you really think a woman could stop me?
Hayden did not let Nicholas‘ casual dismissal of Carissa ease his thoughts. In fact, it only made his concer deepen. Nicholas never underestimated his enemies. Even someone like Yuvan, whom he considered a fool, had been handled with great care.
Nicholas had taken painstaking efforts to infiltrate Yuvan’s forces, turning Yuvan’s core people into loyalists–bit by bit, until there was nothing left.
In a sudden fit of rage, Hayden hurled his cup at Nicholas. “Get out!”
Nicholas didn’t flinch, allowing it to strike him. He gave a resigned smile, wiping his cheek as he said calmly, Very well, Dad. You should rest. I’ll take my leave.”
Hayden glared at him, the mocking smile on his son’s face only making him feel sicker, “Aren’t you worried I’ll reveal your true identity to Ms. Spencer? To Lady Carissa?
Nicholas shook his head, a note of pity in his voice.
“You won’t do that. If you were going to, you would have done it already. You spent so many years in Nerovia, treating its people like your own children. You would never want the forces of Yuvan’s rebellion to ravage the people there. I’ll ignore the subtle hints you’ve given to Viglet, but I trust there won’t be another instance of it.”
Hayden’s face drained of color, fury rising within him like storm.
“Leave. Get out. Now!”
Nicholas gave a final, mocking smile before taking his leave, the door closing softly behind him.
