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.

to his limbs, but before he could fully recover, Derek entered with a steaming cup of coffee and

documents. After reading them, his eyes widened in

and Jocelyn had

all began with Jocelyn's claim that Thomas had asked to marry her. She had mocked him for being too old and trying to prey on a younger woman.

they've set their sights on General Farrell. It seemed that I was right to entrust him with so many responsibilities.

but there was a flicker

cold sweat break out across his back, his limbs trembling as he fell to his

of this. I have never meddled

Salvador chuckled softly, adding,

is down to the will of the parents and the matchmaker's words. As the head of the Quinton family, how can you not be involved in the marriages of your own kin? Hasn't this always been the case? I believe General Farrell is a fine match. If the two families can unite, it

trembled as he knelt. He knew better than anyone how suspicious the king could

prided himself on being careful, keeping his family's actions tightly controlled,

about making Salvador mistakenly think the Quinton family had ambitions to help Connor take the throne,

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

-

for news from her servants. Knowing Malcolm had been punished and left standing outside

the

bowing low as he

the rumors

submitted a formal complaint

Women's Academy, Lady Carissa.

This displeased His Majesty."

asked, her voice