Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1436

Kylie stumbled back to Everspring Palace, Salvador's words asking her to relinquish her position as queen echoing endlessly in her mind. Each word crashed down like a bolt of lightning, striking her heart with relentless force. Her head spun and her limbs felt numb.

"Your Highness, His Majesty was merely speaking in anger. Please don't dwell on it," Lydia said anxiously. With her face drained of all color, Kylie looked like a ghost of herself, her spirit seemingly shattered.

She struggled to breathe, clutching at her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. "In anger? Does that mean he can just dispose of me with a few careless words? His Majesty never speaks rashly. He meant it."

"How could that be? How could His Majesty ever consider making Ms. Spencer-a merchant's daughter -his queen?" Lydia tried to reassure her, having overheard Salvador's furious outburst from outside. Kylie's tears fell faster. "Don't you see? It was never about Violet. It's Carissa."

Lydia shook her head. "That's even less likely. Lady Carissa is the Hell Monarch's princess consort. Even if His Majesty has lost his senses, he wouldn't make his sister-in-law the queen. It defies all reason and propriety. If he did such a thing, scholars and officials across the land would condemn him. His Majesty wouldn't do it."

"The issue is that he wants to do it." Kylie wiped away her tears, her eyes darkening with resentment. "Carissa knows better than anyone the consequences of such actions. When Barrett tried to take another wife, she raised hell. She should be the first to understand the importance of propriety, yet she allows His Majesty to continue down this foolish path."

"Perhaps Lady Carissa isn't even aware of it," Lydia suggested.

Kylie blew her nose, her nose reddened from crying. "Even if she didn't know at first, she must know by now. If she truly is a loyal subject, she shouldn't drag His Majesty's name through the mud. She should resign from her post and return to her duties as the Hell Monarch's wife."

Lydia advised Kylie to stay out of it. The king would handle it however he saw fit.

she could quell the rumors and protect his honor, Victoria might see her in a new light. Perhaps then, control over the harem

Salvador would think twice before speaking of

she couldn't be too forceful. The key was to appeal to Carissa's emotions and reason with her. Kylie thought she understood Carissa well. The latter was the type who believed herself to be loyal and patriotic, willing to endure

wouldn't be difficult. The real challenge lay in bringing her into the palace in a way that appeared proper and justified.

had to ensure Salvador didn't

that Ryan had

of bestowing a reward on the boy to extend an invitation. She asked Carissa to come and admire the orchids—a simple gathering between sisters-in-law, nothing

-

issuing a direct edict, she anticipated that Carissa might find an excuse to

in person with a message consisting of two simple

them.

sat in silence after hearing Lydia's words, her expression grave.

If she were to truly reflect her

that moment, she understood

her jaw so

own teeth before finally forcing out a calm response, saying, "My husband is not handsome enough to stand in the way of a young lady finding a better match. Please convey my thanks to Her Majesty

never expected Carissa to reply in this manner, Lydia

situations like this,