Chapter 677
Trembling with fear, Kendra clutched her shoulders and looked at Xander in despair, pleading, “Xander, please forgive me this once. I know I was wrong I shouldn’t have framed your mother, but I truly had no other choice p>
Yet, even now, she stubbornly clung to her belief in her own innocence.
Xander’s face was livid as he glared at her coldly. “You’re not remorseful; you’re just terrified. Now that the Xander Manor and Porter Mansion have completely cut ties, you have no backing left. Your only option is to be married off to distant Nortcold p>
“You know perfectly well how Mother has treated you all these years,” Xander said coldly. “Yet you still chose to frame her–and utterly broke her heart p>
Xander looked at Kendra, his eyes filled with profound disappointment. “From now on, you’re on your own. Make your own choices -and live with the consequences p>
Without another word, Xander reached out and took Athena by the wrist, then strode out of Porter Mansion, never once looking
back.
Kendra and Issa collapsed to the ground, their eyes filled with utter despair.
The very next day, the Xander Manor issued an official declaration, severing all familial ties with Porter Mansion.
From this day forth, the two households would have no further dealings.
Arthur was visibly taken aback when he heard the news. “Mrs. Cavendish always favored Kendra the most. How could the two families sever ties so abruptly p>
Xander had clamped down on the news. All those privy to the matter were silenced. Only scattered fragments of the matter managed to reach Arthur.
Thanatus shook his head in confusion. “Your Majesty, this humble servant truly does not know. Perhaps Kendra kept hounding Xander, and he simply grew tired of her constant pestering, so he severed all ties p>
Arthur thought to himself, ‘That actually makes some sense p>
Since the matter between the two households had no bearing on state affairs, Arthur chose not to pursue it further.
“Shouldn’t Lizzie’s coffin be transported to her territory by now?” he asked again.
Thanatus nodded respectfully. “Your Majesty, the coffin has remained in the city for the full mourning period of forty–nine days p>
“Have Ferris escort her coffin back to her place. While he’s at it, bring the Nortcold envoys back as well.” Arthur took a sip of coffee,
a satisfied look on his face.
‘Once the political marriage alliance between Nortcold and the Petanion succeeds, it will secure a century of peace,’ Arthur wondered. ‘A single woman to avert war–that’s a shrewd deal.
‘Therefore, we must handle this matter with the utmost caution p>
After a moment’s thought, Arthur declared, “Appoint Ferris as Commander of the Aegis Guards. He is to lead two thousand of our elite troops and must ensure the enyoys from Nortcold are safely escorted back to the capital p>
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nu, 31 Jul
Chapter 677
Thanatus gazed at Arthur in astonishment, his lips parting slightly, then closing again as years of conditioned obedience held his
tongue.
Thanatus thought to himself, ‘The Aegis Guards? Those are the elite forces personally trained by Prince Xander. ”
Each Aegis Guard was worth a hundred men–fearless and peerless in battle.
Arthur’s bestowal of such sweeping powers upon Ferris left no doubt about his favor.
With a disdainful chuckle, Arthur fixed his contemptuous gaze and said, “What, do you think I have shown him too much favor? ”
Since he dared to empower Ferris, he had no fear of betrayal. After all, he held enough leverage over Ferris to keep him firmly in
line.
Thanatus bowed his head, shaking it vigorously. “I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty p>
Arthur rose from the desk, his voluminous sleeves draped behind his back.
Arthur paced to the window, his piercing gaze sweeping over Pidence City from his commanding vantage point. “It’s easy to seize a kingdom, but far harder to keep it secure.
“The late King entrusted this throne to me, and I must safeguard this realm to honor his legacy. Yet there are matters I cannot address openly–that’s where Ferris becomes my blade in the shadows.
“The greater his power, the more fear it will strike into those scheming hearts p>
Arthur let out a weary sigh. “I’m growing old, and time is running short. Before my son ascends the throne, I must pave the way for him. This is all I can do for my son now p>
Now, peace reigns acrossed the realm, and its borders were tranquil. Only Xander remained as the final loose cannon.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.