'Thank you, Your Highness.'

'Have you no desire to learn about your beloved fiancé's well-being, milady?' Alexander teased. The amusement was apparent in his expression.

How can he jest at such a time? Elaine's facial muscles briefly froze before returning him a stiffened smile. 'Of course, please forgive my negligence, Your Highness. How is my fiancé?' she asked.

'No need to worry too much, Lady Estella,' he chuckled. 'My older brother's hiding position behind the Empress is an exceedingly safe location.'

'I see.' Elaine had no further comment on the topic. Louis' welfare was the least of her worries at the moment. 'A significant number of nobles and their kins shall perish tonight and cause an immense uproar in the Empire. How does His Majesty plan to camouflage the massive purge?' She shifted the conversation back to the current predicament. Elaine estimated over two hundred nobles attended the banquet. If she eliminated those with absentee heirs, only about half would survive to see tomorrow. Despite the Étoile Emperor's status and the support of other influential Houses, a large-scale killing of aristocrats overnight would breed chaos and discontent among his remaining subjects.

'You are sharp, milady. Tell me, what anomaly did you notice during this evening banquet?'

Anomaly? Elaine replayed the gathering in her mind, nitpicking each detail. The Emperor's scheme explained the perplexing behaviors of some nobles. Excluding other trivialities, the only remaining enigma she noticed in today's celebration was…

The Northerners.

'Your Highness, are you perhaps referring to the aristocrats from our Empire's northern provinces?' she quizzed. 'I have never seen so many appear in an event.'

'It should not surprise you that the Northerners' spies have infiltrated Soleias and the Lumière Palace for several years.'

Elaine raised a brow. It was common for opposing or even ally Houses to spy on each other's movements. After all, everyone shared a tightrope alliance—the enemy of your enemy could become an ally, and a close ally could one day switch to a foe. The complex political maneuvering was a dynamic game in which all nobles within the Empire were well-versed at playing. Thus, it was expected that even the trouble-plagued North would have moles in other regions, especially in the center of the Étoile Empire, Soleias.

'What you might not know, however, is their brazen ploy against His Majesty tonight.'

'A…coup?'

Alexander slightly nodded.

Elaine's eyes expanded, unable to hide her shock at the explosive revelation. Before the Crown Prince's attempt, there was another unsuccessful insurrection. 'How…when did you find out?' Many questions surged in her mind, pressuring her to seek answers.

'Patience is a virtue, Lady Estella,' Alexander advised. His eyes studied hers, and a charming yet irritating curl plastered on his lips.

'Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness.' Staring at his smug countenance, Elaine suppressed her rising temper and apologized. 'Please forgive my impudence.'

'The northern regions have harbored resentment toward His Majesty for years. It is only a matter of when, not if, they will stage a rebellion,' the Third Prince continued. 'They even conspired with a few fools in the other provinces. You have probably seen many of them during the celebration,' he chuckled.

'But how did you know they would choose this date to act?' she pressed. The timing seemed too convenient to be a coincidence.

'They did not choose this date,' he admitted. 'Not without a little persuasion.'

Persuasion?

'Every chain has a weak link, milady. Fortunately, our moles discovered some fragile links among the leading northern Houses.' he paused for a second, then raised a question to her. 'I often find humans are persuadable creatures, don't you agree, Lady Estella?'

Elaine stayed silent.

'Everyone has a price.' Alexander's gaze returned to the serene lake. 'Once these individuals receive an irresistible offer, they will follow your bidding no matter the request.'

The silver-haired young man's voice maintained its placid tone, yet it induced shivers down her spine. Though Alexander did not elaborate, he supplied Elaine with enough context to unravel the puzzle. There is one…no, perhaps many traitors within the Northerners' ranks. The conspiracy was deeper and more intertwined than anyone could have imagined.

'As I mentioned before, milady, there are too many rotten fruits in our backyard. Thus, tonight is the perfect opportunity for His Majesty to rid our Empire of the troublemakers and quell a rebellion—killing two birds with one stone.'

'You plan to blame the massacre on the rebels.' Rather than a question, she was stating a fact.

The Third Prince neither agreed nor denied, only showing her his signature alluring smile.

'What about their spies and troops, Your Highness?' Elaine prodded. Even with limited fighting experience, she knew any large military operation would require significant mobilization.

'Excessive curiosity is a bad habit, Lady Estella. It could bring you more danger than you can handle.' Alexander glowered, emitting a sharpness in his eyes.

'Forgive me, Your Highness. If you prefer not—'

'Though, as my future companion, you should familiarize yourself with dangerous situations. Thus, I shall provide you with the knowledge.'

This brat. Elaine glared daggers into the silver-haired young man's handsome face before realizing her mistake and retreating her gaze. 'Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.' She donned a grateful visage.

Neither the explosions nor the concealed wailing ceased during their discussion. Bright crimson illuminated the ominous skies, overshadowing the double moon's gentle glow.

The night is still young, Elaine thought. And many more will soon meet their demise.