Her Graceful War Song

Rafael noticed the weariness in Salvador's expression, and with Derek having

taken the reports back, he decided it was time to speak.

"Your Majesty, I have a matter to request your approval for."

Salvador glanced up. "What is it?"

Rafael's gaze was cool and distant. "I wish to visit Everspring Palace."

At once, Salvador's mind raced. He knew exactly what this was about. The consequences of this matter had almost cost Irvin his life.

Salvador didn't want to deal with it but simply nodded. "Go, then."

Rafael promptly took his leave, making his way to Everspring Palace.

Kylie was well aware of his visit and had someone summon him in. She knew that Carissa's refusal to allow him to take a secondary wife was driven by jealousy and selfishness. But men, as Kylie saw it, were never quite the same as women. No matter how loudly they proclaimed otherwise, men always had their flaws.

Salvador, diligent as he was, hardly visited the harem. However, that didn't mean he was above it. Didn't he still keep the harem and concubines? And when a woman caught his eye, it was not uncommon for him to visit her several times a month.

Kylie didn't believe there was a man alive who wouldn't indulge himself when the opportunity arose, Rafael included.

She had always thought that Carissa's marriage to Rafael was a step up-an ambitious second marriage for a woman who had once been discarded. Even if they had affection for one another, her jealousy would always make it difficult for him to tolerate her.

Though the plan had failed, Kylie was determined to make sure Rafael knew that she, as his sister-in-law, was only looking out for him, out of concern about his legacy and heirs. Even if he didn't appreciate her intentions, he would have no choice but to acknowledge them.

With this in mind, she sat upright in her golden-threaded chair, watching Rafael enter with the same poised, strong stance he always had.

Etiquette couldn't be ignored, so Rafael inclined his head and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Kylie smiled warmly. "No need for such formalities. Have a seat."

Then, she turned to Lydia and instructed, "Bring in some refreshments."

However, Rafael straightened up, replying, "I won't stay long. I've only come to say a few words, then I'll leave."

Kylie raised an eyebrow.

"Why so serious? Do you have some misunderstanding of me?" she asked, her tone half teasing, half serious.

Rafael was bound to find out about it sooner or later, but how Carissa had spoken about it in private or how much she had twisted the truth-was anyone's guess.

"I'm also worried about misunderstandings, which is why I've come personally to speak to you, Your Majesty. Did you originally intend to have Lady Xavier from the Earl of Southstead's family be my secondary wife?" Rafael asked.

Kylie nodded without hesitation. "I did. Lady Xavier is a woman of great virtue. She is both graceful and wise, with a kind and dignified manner. She's a fine match for you."

Smiling, she continued, "I'm always thinking of the both of you, Rafael. You and Lady Carissa have been married for so long, and yet there's still no sign of a child. I'm sure Aunt Helen is growing anxious, but your wife's stubborn nature likely makes it hard for her to discuss it. So, I thought I might step in and help. I didn't realize..."

She shook her head with a bitter smile. "Lady Carissa was furious when she

heard about it. She even scolded the messenger I sent. I'm afraid she's now upset with me as well. Honestly, I only meant well, but now I've ended up being the villain. I'm truly at a loss..."

Rafael interrupted, "Your Majesty, please stop with your so-called good intentions."

"Your wife... What did you say?" Kylie was about to continue but suddenly realized something was off. She looked up in surprise and asked again, "What did you just say?"

Rafael's eyes were cold, his jaw tight with restraint meant that you've meddled where you shouldn't, Your Majesty. Whether or not I take a secondary wife, or whether my wife and I have children, is no concern of yours. It's between my wife and me. Your interference has only caused harm to our marriage. You've truly played the villain."

The words hit Kylie like a slap. Her face flushed red, then pale, as anger and embarrassment flooded her all at once.

"Have you lost your mind? I did it for your own good, and you're being ungrateful? You don't even appreciate it?" she snapped angrily.

"I appreciate the intention, but I don't accept the interference," Rafael said coldly. "Because of your suggestion, Carissa, Kas been upset for days. Doing something bad with good intentions is foolish, but if there are ulterior motives behind it, that's unforgivable."

He didn't give the queen a chance to respond. With a stiff nod, he turned and began to leave.

"You're mad! You're truly mad!" Kylie's voice cracked with frustration and disbelief. "Rafael, you ungrateful fool! I was only trying to help you secure an heir!"

Rafael's steps faltered for just a moment, and he glanced back over his shoulder.

"You can't even manage your own son. What gives you the right to meddle in someone else's affairs?" he retorted, his voice sharp.

Without another word, he walked out.noveldrama