Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1186

Malcolm stood frozen in place, his face burning with a sharp sting, though no slap had been delivered. It was only then that he realized his recklessness-his impulsive actions had brought the matter of the students at Gracewood Women's Academy all the way to the royal

court.

With Salvador telling him to stay behind, he stood there, unmoving, until the court session ended.

Left alone in the king's private study, Malcolm was instructed to wait outside. The biting cold of the winter wind cut through him like a blade as he stood there for four full hours, not once being summoned in.

A swirl of emotions churned inside him, but the most prominent was anger. He was the king's father-in-law. Surely, even if his actions were misguided, Salvador should not have left him to suffer in the cold.

By the end of the four hours, his body was nearly frozen, stiff from the cold. Derek, noticing his distress, brought him a small warming stove. The faint warmth provided a small relief from the icy grip of winter.

lan quickly entered the study, and after a brief exchange with the king, returned to stand before Malcolm.

"Lord Quinton, what are you doing here?" lan asked, surprised.

Shivering, Malcolm forced out through clenched teeth, "Waiting to be summoned by His Majesty."

lan's eyes widened. "His Majesty just ordered me to find you. He was wondering where you'd gone-he's been waiting for you! Please go in at once. His Majesty is growing impatient."

Malcolm barely managed a stiff nod of thanks before forcing his frozen limbs into motion and entering the study.

He greeted Salvador and took a seat like he usually did. However, he could sense the king's anger simmering beneath the surface. The four hours of waiting had been nothing more than a quiet reprimand. However, as it was regarding something trivial like Gracewood Women's Academy, Malcolm was upset and couldn't accept it.

of the room slowly returned feeling to his limbs, but before he could fully

the documents. After reading them, his eyes widened in disbelief and his heart surged

and Jocelyn had

too old and trying to prey on a younger

nobles and scholars in the capital are forming connections through marriage. Now, it seems like they've set their sights on General Farrell. It seemed that I was right to entrust him with so many responsibilities.

was calm, but there was a flicker

felt a cold sweat break out across his back, his limbs trembling

of this. I have never

Salvador chuckled softly, adding,

the head of the Quinton family, how can you not be involved in the marriages of your own kin? Hasn't this

better than anyone how suspicious the king could be. How had the Quinton family become so reckless without even realizing

careful, keeping his family's actions tightly controlled, fearful of even the smallest slip that might give his enemies a

think the Quinton family had

the king, it looked as though the Quinton family, in alliance with the queen, was forcing him to appoint Connor

-

from her servants. Knowing Malcolm had been

last, the

low as he

Majesty, the rumors

a formal complaint against the

Women's Academy, Lady Carissa.

This displeased His Majesty."

that all?" Kylie asked, her voice