Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm.


    A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in ck descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword.


    “Your Highness, look out!” Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent danger.


    “Rufus! Your time hase! Die!” The assassin’s cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.


    The motion was so swift, leaving only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance faded, the assassin’s sword had already punctured Rufus’s chest.


    Rufus stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of thesituation.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Eloise, positioned by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the heavily fortified castle.


    The assault was meticulously timed, urring during Albert and Jaxon’s absence, as if the assassin had orchestrated the n with utmost precision.


    “Rufus! This is the consequence of opposing the Dragon Guard!”


    The assassin withdrew the sword, causing blood to spurt from Rufus’s chest wound. Rufus staggered backward, eventually copsing to the ground, hisplexion drained of color.


    “Help! There’s an assassin!” Eloise screamed, and the entire castle was promptly alerted. Guards converged from all directions, but the assassinskillfully leaped out the window and made a swift escape.


    Aplished warriors from the castle pursued the assant.


    “Your Highness! Your Highness!” Eloise rushed to Rufus, who was coughing up blood. Each cough expelled more blood.


    “Don’t speak, Your Highness! You’ll be fine! You’ll be okay!”


    Eloise pressed her hand against Rufus’s wound while shouting urgently toward the door, “Doctor! Where is the doctor? Hurry, we need help!”


    Struggling, Rufus seized Eloise’s arm and weakly uttered, “Eloise … I won’t be able to make it, so listen to me… after I’m gone, West Lucozia will be in chaos.


    “As the princess consort, you must stabilize the situation. My trustemanders will assist you. West Lucozia … relies on you.”


    “Your Highness! Don’t speak nonsense! You’ll be fine. West Lucozia can’t be without you, and I can’t be without you. You must hold on!” Eloise sobbed uncontrobly and trembled.


    “Eloise, I’m tired. I just want to sleep peacefully. The life of battles and wars it’s time to end.” Rufus managed a faint smile before closing his eyes, his arms lifelessly dropping.


    He had breathed hisst breath, leaving the world behind.