Her Graceful War Song

Kylie had never been humiliated like that before. Even when Salvador was furious with her, it had only ever resulted in a few sharp reprimands or perhaps a temporary house arrest.

"Who does he think he is? How dare he come here and behave like that in front of me?" she fumed, her face flushed with anger.

"I've been concerned about his heirs because of his military service. And this is how he repays me? Thinking I have nothing better to do than meddle in his affairs? If he doesn't want a secondary wife, there are plenty of men who would be happy to have her."

Her head throbbed with the pressure of her indignation. She had never encountered someone so ungrateful.

Lydia could only watch in bewilderment as the queen seethed.

Wasn't the original plan to use finding a secondary wife for the Hell Monarch as an excuse to summon Carissa to the palace and pressure her into compliance? How did it suddenly turn into the queen genuinely caring about the royal family's heirs?

Lydia thought Kylie was making excuses out of anger, but such excuses seemed unnecessary and only served to agitate herself.

"You need not be so upset, Your Majesty. You weren't really trying to help him find a secondary wife, were you?" Lydia ventured cautiously.

Kylie shot her a sharp look, her frustration growing. "Regardless of my personal feelings, I at least pretended to care for his sake. And what does he do? He doesn't appreciate it and shows no respect. He dared to speak so disrespectfully in front of me! His insolence is unforgivable. And you-what nonsense are you speaking now? Do you think everyone can treat me like this?"

Lydia immediately fell silent, realizing that any further words might make the situation worse. But deep down, she was worried. Kylie always dreamed of achieving great things. But if she couldn't even handle a small setback, how would she ever succeed?

The plan to manipulate Carissa had failed, but that didn't mean it was the end. There were always other ways.

The more Kylie thought about it, the more furious she grew.

"He clearly doesn't respect me. If he doesn't, then he certainly doesn't respect His Majesty either. You'll go see Connor tonight, won't you? When you do, make sure to offer your greetings to the queen dowager on my behalf as well. And tell her what happened. The queen dowager is a woman of great sense and will not tolerate such disrespect."

Lydia nodded, agreeing to pass on the message when she made her evening visit to Serenity Palace. When she relayed the story to Victoria, the latter barely reacted.

Without lifting her gaze, she coolly said, "Our queen is certainly an interesting one. His Majesty wants to see the Hell Monarch's line end, but Her Majesty, with her great benevolence, seems more concerned about her brother-in-law's heirs than her own son. How very thoughtful of her. She truly is an admirable sister-in- law."

Lydia froze, her shock palpable. She quickly dropped to her knees in apology, explaining that it was all a misunderstanding.

Victoria's gaze remained fixed on her. "You're a clever woman. Let me give you some advice: Keep a close watch on your mistress and make sure she doesn't make the same mistake again. She should use

wit of hers-the same wit that got her to where she is-and think carefully about everything. She needs to know what to do and what not to do, whom she can offend and whom she cannot. She must be aware of her limits."

The queen dowager dismissed Lydia with a wave, even forbidding her from seeing Connor.

When she returned to Everspring Palace, she passed on Victoria's message.

Kylie sat in stunned silence for a long moment, her mind racing. Finally, she murmured, "His Majesty wants to end the Hell Monarch's

line? What does that mean? Hine

Majesty isn't that cruel, is he? Does he not want Carissa to have Rafael's children?"

Lydia sighed, watching as Kylie struggled to piece it all together. "My dear queen,

if the Hell Monarch has no sons, then there's no threat to the throne."

Suddenly, Kylie's mind seemed to latch onto a single thread of understanding, and a heavy weight settled in her chest.

"The king's illness... is worse than we thought," she muttered.

"Since they also called Healer Dalton... It doesn't look good," Lydia added softly. Kylie's thoughts were jumbled with worry. "But why hasn't His Majesty appointed the crown prince? Shouldn't he be securing the succession for the kingdom first? "Moreover, I'm still under house arrest, and Lady Grace's son has started attending classes in the study. Although he's not taught together with Connor, it's clear His Majesty is intent on nurturing him."

"Your Majesty, why not invite your mom to the palace? Prince Connor cannot be left without support," Lydia suggested.

Kylie's eyes filled with resentment.

"Having my mom come to the palace won't help. Only by meeting my dad and explaining the stakes to him will ke assist me. Our family should rise and fall together. I am already the queen. With just a little effort from them, Connor could secure the position of crown prince. But they're too timid and always hesitating, which truly disappoints me."

"It's not easy for your dad to enter the inner palace casually. Better to invite your mom and speak to her openly. What mother wouldn't feel for her daughter?" Lydia

said.

Kylie's emotions were tangled, but she knew her only option now was to turn tonoveldrama

her family. In her current position, locked away with no real power, they were her only source of support.