Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 347: Damage Control II

Chapter 347: Damage Control II

A humiliated flush grew on Daphne’s cheeks as the meeting continued. Her suggestions had been shot down while Leonora’s suggestions drew praise, but Daphne could only hold her tongue. The situation was bigger than the petty conflict between sisters.

Leonora was used to commanding armies to win battles, whether it was keeping Reaweth’s borders safe or apprehending criminals.

This was a battlefield she was used to, while Daphne was a mere stranger to it. So instead, Daphne listened carefully to learn more about battle tactics while her father’s disparaging words continued to echo in her head.

Upon closer examination, it wasn’t as though her father’s words were completely pointless― causing widespread panic among people was always a bad idea, and she had witnessed the consequences back in Vramid when Nereus appeared and ruined the Spring Parade.

Suddenly, she felt like she wasn’t ready for the role of Crown Princess. Sure, she was better than Alistair, but Alistair was insane. That was a very low bar to clear.

As if he sensed her distress, Atticus gripped her hand tightly in full view of everyone, a wordless show of support. She squeezed back weakly. Her body was feeling tired already, even though she was doing nothing more than sitting and talking. This didn’t bode well.

"―and Commander Jonah can take the southwest district," Leonora finished as she looked around the table. "Does anyone have any opinions? Voice them now or forever hold your peace."

Leonora had suggested that each of the remaining Reawethen siblings, along with Atticus and Jonah would lead search parties of ten men, with bloodhounds that have been trained to search for people. They didn’t have anything of Jean Nott for the dogs to trace his scent, but they had plenty of Alistair’s old belongings to use.

If they discovered a lead, they would use the sodalite pieces to communicate with each other and only confront Alistair when they had back-up.

Nathaniel was to stay in the palace and research for a solution with Sirona. If there was any development on either side, they would inform one another immediately. The king and queen would remain in the palace with Blanche, where they would be safe.

As far as plans went, Atticus could acknowledge that it wasn’t a bad plan at all. It was a pity that Leonora hated Daphne for no conceivable reason since she hadn’t even mentioned Daphne’s role in her entire plan.

"What am I supposed to do?" Daphne asked with a smile on her face. "I can lead a search party too, or join Atticus’s. I want to help. You’ve seen my strength during the dragon attack."

Surely there had to be something she could do. She shouldn’t be twiddling her thumbs while they rode off into danger.

Leonora looked at her incredulously. "Don’t be ridiculous! I just saw you tremble as you walked into the room with King Atticus’s help. Forget riding a horse; can you even walk ten paces without support?"

Leonora wasn’t going to be crazy enough to put her ailing sister in a team. Not out of any misplaced sense of sisterly affection― she simply didn’t want to die if King Atticus found out his precious wife got hurt in any way!

Privately, Atticus agreed with her. To his surprise, Daphne had other thoughts.

"You can use me as bait," Daphne offered. "Alistair hates me and Jean Nott wants me. They’ll definitely come for me if they get the news that I’m out and about. We can kill two birds with one stone then."

"Like hell you are!" Atticus burst out disbelievingly.

His wife had just crawled out of the gates of hell, but she wanted an encore already?

Across the table, Prince Nathaniel looked equally horrified, which showed what a terrible idea Daphne had. Atticus made it a point to never agree with Prince Nathaniel on anything, and vice versa.

"Daphne, don’t be ridiculous, you just recovered! Look at how pale your face is!"

"I agree with King Atticus," Prince Nathaniel added. "Your magic is now dangerously weak. The risk outweighs the reward."

"If you’re with me, things will be fine," Daphne said, trying to reassure her husband, who seemed like he was having a stroke with the way his eyebrow was twitching. "If you want to trap a beast, you need to lure it with meat, is it not? This is the fastest way that will save the most lives."

"What’s more, it’s not as though Silas is here to lead his team," Daphne pointed out. Leonora’s twin brother was nowhere to be found in the palace, and all his summons went unanswered. "You can give me his command until he returns."

Leonora had to admire her sister’s audacity to bring up her absent twin brother. He picked one of the absolutely worst times to gallivant to the red light district for a night of fun. Sometimes, she wondered what the gods were thinking that they made them twins.

She loved Silas, but more often than not she loved to skin him alive. Her brother was more intelligent than most, but he was an unambitious sleaze who loved to make merry all day.

If only she was born as a son, and Silas a daughter. That way, she could easily become a worthwhile contender for Crown Prince while Silas didn’t need to deal with any pressure to take charge.

"That is a very good suggestion. Unfortunately, King Atticus does not approve and I doubt you can fight him in your condition." Leonora smiled blandly in response.

And even if Daphne could fight, Leonora wasn’t stupid enough to approve of such a thing, not when King Atticus could slam her against the ceiling without a word. She wasn’t Alistair; one run-in with Atticus’s powers was more than enough for her.

"Daphne dear, it’s time for you to return to the infirmary," Queen Annette said, her tone brooking no argument. "Your face is already looking paler than usual. You need your rest."

"Where’s Silas though? Has anyone seen him?" Luis asked curiously, speaking up for once. "It’s not like him to be out for so long."

"He’s probably off whoring around again," Leonora said bitterly, gritting her teeth in anger. "When I get my hands on him, I’ll wring his sorry neck!"