Her Graceful War Song

Kylie's sobs ceased abruptly. For a moment, she stood frozen.

Her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "What did you say, Your Majesty? Connor is not dead?"

How could he not be dead? The funeral had already been carried out, and he had been laid to rest. The entire court knew of his passing.

Salvador gazed steadily at her and said, "He is not dead, but gravely wounded. Both of his legs were shattered. If he survives, he'll never walk again. Healer Dalton has taken him to Eldermere Keep for treatment. If he recovers, he'll live under a new name. If not, at least the keep is a good place to lay him to rest."

Realizing that the king didn't seem to be lying, a sudden wave of hope and joy surged in the queen's heart. But right after, confusion set in.

"If he is alive, why was the funeral held? Why not treat him here in the capital? What if his injuries aren't as bad as they seem? What if you've been deceived by Healer Dalton, Your Majesty? He's close to Lady Carissa, who has always wanted Cecil to be crown prince."

Salvador regarded her with a raised brow. "How do you know of Lady Carissa's wishes regarding Cecil?"

"When the workshop was being established, my mother urged me to make an appearance to set an example. I refused, which put Lady Carissa at a

disadvantage. But Lady Sylvia and her mother went eagerly, offering money, shops, and favors. It was clear they were trying to curry favor with Lady Carissa," Kylie replied quickly.

Listening to her, Salvador actually chuckled. "Ah, so it's that easy to win Lady Carissa's favor? Then, why didn't you step forward when the workshop was first established? Surely, you could have gained her favor?"

Kylie's face paled slightly at the question.

Had she known the workshop would be accepted, she would have gladly stepped forward to assist Carissa. But at the time, the public sentiment was cruelly opposed to the venture. She had been too frightened to risk her reputation for the sake of a widely-scorned cause.noveldrama

Of course, regret gnawed at her now, but Kylie could not confess it aloud.

Pushing aside her discomfort, she focused again on the matter at hand, asking, "What is to become of Connor now? How is he? Is there any possibility of bringing him back to the palace for treatment? I cannot bear to be apart from him."

"Returning to the palace is impossible," Salvador replied, his tone softening, though still firm. "I have come to ask if you would be willing to travel to Eldermere Keep yourself, to care for him. Before he left, he asked for you. If you and Lydia tend to him, that will give me peace of mind."

Tears welled up in Kylie's eyes. "He is my flesh and blood. How could I refuse? I would go to him at once, if only it were possible."

Salvador's gaze softened slightly. "Your agreement is all I need. I shall first declare to the public that your grief over our son's passing has left you ill. Then, in

a few months, I will announce your death. From then on, you shall remain at Eldermere Keep with Connor. Though life there will be humble, I shall ensure the two of you want for nothing."

Kylie stood frozen, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"Your Majesty, do you mean that I may never return to the palace for the remainder of my days?" she asked, her voice unconsciously rising in pitch.

"Should you wish to return, it is

possible. I could proclaim that you have gone to offer prayers for the wellbeing of Starhaven, to seek blessings for the kingdom's fort

In ten years or so, you may return," Salvador replied.

Kylie drew in a sharp breath, her heart sinking.

In ten years—perhaps even longer-the capital would have changed entirely.

Would she still be able to be the queen, or even the queen dowager?

She quickly weighed her options. If she stayed, then even if Cecil ascended the throne one day, she would undoubtedly become the queen dowager. But if she left, she would lose everything.

Besides, what could she do for Connor at Eldermere Keep? It would be better to let him heal in peace while she secured her position before aiding him.

Shaking her head, she spoke with difficulty, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she said, "Your

Majesty am no healer. I cannonet

offer aid at Eldermere Keep.

Moreover, in times past, the queen dowager never approved of my closeness to Connor. Should I now agree to leave, it would go against my duty to her. After careful thought,

I believe it best that I remain here in

the capital."

Salvador studied her for a long moment, his expression betraying little emotion. He seemed to have expected this answer, though perhaps with some degree of surprise.

"Very well," he said simply, before rising from his seat.

As the door opened, he gave Derek a signal.

Derek nodded. "I understand, Your Majesty."

Derek entered the inner chambers, where he and the other attendants swiftly blocked the palace servants, including Lydia, from approaching. They were pushed back with force, the sounds of struggles and harsh words filtering through the air. But despite the commotion, it was impossible to stop the flutter of black silk being hung from the ceiling.

Kylie's heart hammered in her chest as realization hit her-she had no choice in

this matter. If she agreed to go to Eldermere Keep, she would survive. If she didn't, she would die.

In a desperate attempt, she fought against Derek's grip.

"Mr. Walker, please go at once to inform His Majesty that I am willing to go to Eldermere Keep. Tell him I shall go!"

Derek's tone was cold and unyielding, his words cutting through her desperation: "It is too late, Your Majesty."