Her Graceful War Song

Salvador announced his decision before asking Rafael about the investigation.

The king knew the colt wouldn't go wild for no reason. He had asked about the horses before-some had a bit of a temper, but the children had already tamed them.

Rafael didn't hide anything and handed over the caltrop. "Someone placed this under the saddle. When the saddle was empty, the thorn caused only a mild discomfort to the horse. But once Prince Connor got on, the sharp spikes stabbed into the horse's flesh, causing it to go berserk from the pain."

Salvador's gaze grew cold as he looked at Carissa. "Did no one inspect the saddles beforehand?"

Carissa hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty, we checked thoroughly. The horses were under constant guard, and aside from the three princes and Ryan, no one was allowed near them. They led their own horses; no one else handled them during the journey."

Victoria's expression was equally grim. "I gave strict orders to the guards. The horses, the three princes, and Ryan should never leave their sight. Unless one of my own trusted servants has betrayed me, no one should have been able to approach those horses."

"But this caltrop was placed under the saddle," Salvador said, his voice growing fierce with anger. "Who would want to harm Connor? This caltrop doesn't appear to be something that could have been made by just anyone. Whose work is this?"

Rafael hesitated, then knelt and apologized. "It was a device I brought for lessons with the children. When the guards found out that Prince Cecil had taken one to play with, they informed me. I ordered him to return it, but he claimed it was lost."

"Sylvia?" Salvador suggested, his mind immediately going to her.

Cecil was so young and innocent. He could never have been behind such a malicious act.

"She had a quarrel with Kylie in the past, and she harbors ambitions for Cecil to be the heir. It makes sense-revenge, and perhaps even an attempt to secure the crown prince title for Cecil," the king added.

Rafael had heard of the quarrel between Kylie and Sylvia. The motivations of revenge and ambition were plausible, and the plan seemed to have unfolded smoothly. But had Sylvia, in her scheming, truly not considered the inevitable discovery of the caltrop under the saddle?noveldrama

How could she have overlooked such an obvious flaw? How would she cover her tracks now?

If she couldn't, then the entire plot would unravel. In that case, exacting her revenge on Kylie would come at the price of her own life, and possibly Cecil's as well. Perhaps there had been no ambition for the throne at all, only a desire for retribution.

But could Sylvia truly be so extreme?

Victoria's voice broke the silence, saying, "We must investigate further. This situation is not as simple as it appears."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Rafael responded firmly.

Victoria's eyes were red, tears threatening to spill. "I have failed him failed to protect him, allowing him to endure such agony."

"Mom, you did all you could," Salvador replied, his voice heavy with sorrow. "It is I who underestimated their ambition."

His face darkening with anger and grief, he turned to Carissa. "See to it! I want answers. No matter who is responsible, they will face the ultimate punishment!"

Rafael bowed. "I will investigate, Your Majesty."

Salvador sighed. "You and Jeremiah must manage the court affairs. Over the next three days, I will stay herez with Connor. The arrangements for the funeral will be handled by the Royal Management Department and the Protocol Department. Let Derek oversee it."

Salvador paused, his throat tight as he struggled to continue.

Finally, he managed to say, "You and Derek will prepare the coffin. If Connor survives these three days, place his garments and crown in the coffin. But if he does not..."

The sentence died in his throat, two tears falling in quick succession.

"Understood," Rafael said softly, his own sorrow reflected in his eyes as he bowed his head.

Carissa left the room first,

determined to find Ryan. He had

refused to leave, staying close to Connor's quarters. When she arrived, she found him peering through the curtain, his eyes swollen from crying, his face filled with fear and uncertainty.

"Ryan," Carissa called gently as she moved to him, her arms enveloping him in a comforting embrace.

She stroked his back, murmuring softly, "Do not despair. Sebastian will do everything he can to save him."

Ryan sobbed quietly in her arms, too afraid to cry aloud. Judging from Sebastian's expression, which had never been so grim, he knew Connor's condition was grave.

"Aunt Carissa, will he die?" Ryan whimpered, his voice shaking.

Carissa just patted his back and let out a heavy sigh, saying nothing.