The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 363: I Want Her Dead

Prince Niall's POV:

Ryken's question struck like a hammer in the already silent hall.

A shadow flashed through my lowered eyes, but when I raised my head, my face still wore the same false expression of grief mixed with helplessness.

"Calm down, Ryken," I said, my voice trembling even more. "I was heartbroken when I received the terrible news. I wished I could grow wings and fly back to my territory immediately. But today is the Moon Goddess festival, the most sacred and joyful celebration in the entire kingdom. I rarely return here, and I had brought the children to pay our respects to Mother and you."

I secretly pinched my thigh so the tears in my eyes would look more convincing. "Sephiria was the most devout believer of the Moon Goddess. If her spirit still watches from above, she would never want her death to disrupt the joy of the palace or ruin the celebration for the elders. So I thought that no matter what, I should first come to greet you all. We planned to return at first light tomorrow to handle the funeral after attending tonight's banquet."

Leanna had been by my side for many years after all. Seeing this, she immediately took out a handkerchief heavy with perfume and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. "That's true, Your Majesty. Prince Niall has been heartbroken the entire journey. I was the one who kept persuading him to come here and fulfill his duty as a son. Sephiria's death has saddened all of us, but traditions cannot simply be ignored."

Ryken gave a cold snort. In his sharp eyes, there was no attempt to hide the deep disgust he felt.

"Your wife has just passed away, yet you're thinking about attending a banquet?" Ryken's voice was colder than the winter wind of Northmere. "Niall, your so-called devotion is truly impressive."

Queen Elizabeth shook her head in disappointment. She slowly sat back down, looking at me as if I were a piece of useless trash that could never be recycled.

"Enough," Queen Elizabeth said with a tired wave of her hand. "Since there's a funeral in your family, you're not going to attend the palace banquet. I wouldn't want to have misfortune brought into the palace. Ryken, dismiss them."

Ryken glanced at me with clear annoyance, as if he did not even want to waste another word on me. "Head to Crystal Palace. Princess Margaret is your elder sister, so you may stay there for now. You'll return to your territory immediately at dawn tomorrow. Do not set foot in the Royal Court again until Sephiria's funeral has been properly handled."

"Yes. Thank you for your understanding."

I lowered my head and left. The moment I turned around, the grief on my face vanished, replaced by an icy chill and burning humiliation.

Ryken, my dear brother.

You always look down at me from that lofty position, as if I were the disgrace of the royal blood.

Just wait. One day, I will crush your head beneath my feet and show you who the true king of this kingdom is.

After leaving the palace, I took my useless family members and went straight to my sister's residence, the Crystal Palace.

The moment we stepped into the magnificent private study, I dismissed Leanna and the useless children.

The room was left with only my sister and me.

Without outsiders watching, the normally dignified and noble princess was pacing the room restlessly. A cigar was clenched in her hand, almost bent in half from the pressure of her grip.

"Cindy! It's her again!"

I had barely sat down when Margaret exploded with fury. "That bitch! That bastard child of Benjamin! Not only did she humiliate me at my birthday banquet, but she also tricked me out of more than 200 thousand gold coins! And now she dares to stick her nose into your family affairs!"

At the mention of Benjamin's name, a nearly insane hatred burst from Margaret's eyes.

It was the kind of twisted hatred born from love. After decades of festering, it had turned into a poison that seeped deep into her bones.

"Back then, that ungrateful dog Benjamin rejected my proposal in front of the entire kingdom! And now his daughter has married Adam and is about to climb over my head as if I were nothing!" Princess Margaret slammed her palm against the table. "Niall, I cannot swallow this humiliation! I want her dead! I want her to end up just like her father. I want her body torn apart and left without a trace!"