Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1476 Salvador sat in silence for a long while, his expression gradually turning solemn. "Healer Dalton says I have three years left to live. The royal physicians once told me I had a year, yet it turned out to be only half that. I've come to realize that whenever physicians predict my lifespan, I must cut it in half. So, at best, I may have a year and a half... perhaps not even that."

"Your Majesty, do not despair-"

Salvador raised a hand, silencing him. "Listen to me. My mind is clear. I am not muddled. The matter of succession must be settled, and swiftly. However, I don't know whom to name. The future king will require a regent for years, and the prime minister is growing old. I don't trust anyone with the kingdom's future... except you."

Rafael said nothing. He knew well that his brother's trust and suspicion came in unpredictable waves, never following reason or pattern.

Salvador continued, "I have three sons. Since my eldest son was born of my queen, there should be no question of succession. But Connor is mediocre. If that was his only shortcoming, it would be of little concern.

"But he is lazy, willful, self-indulgent, and without ambition. He lacks resolve, his mind is weak, and even at seven years old, he behaves like an infant yet to be weaned. His grandmother and tutor have tried to mold him into something better, but at best, they are only able to restrain him. They can't change him. The moment Kylie dotes on him, he reverts-worse than before.

"Caden, on the other hand, is sharp, quick-witted, and devoted. He is barely five, yet already speaks with the eloquence of a scholar. It is clear that Grace has guided him well.

"As for Cecil, he is but three. Too young to judge."

Rafael listened as Salvador assessed his sons' virtues and failings. It was evident the king held little hope for Connor, though he had not yet reached the point of despair.

Salvador went on, "If I do not name Connor as crown prince, I must send him far away, bestow him with a princely title, and let him live in idle luxury. But even that would not ensure stability. The moment one of his brothers takes the throne, as my eldest son, Connor's very existence becomes his greatest crime."

slowly. "Caden's natural gifts are undeniable. If I

In ability and virtue, no

voice trailed off. His brow creased ever

yet what?" Rafael

him. He lacks the heart of a child.

of his grandmother, he is the picture of humility and obedience. But when Carissa passed by, he suddenly let slip hints

him. It's not hard to guess what

of it. Caden had not hidden away in that spot merely because he liked sweets and was secretly

two possible motives behind his

believe Caden had been forced into precocious obedience, robbed of a child's simple joys. Second, to praise Carissa as a hero on Grace's behalf,

crucial assumption: that Grace already suspected Salvador's health was failing, and that the Hell Monarch's household would hold

not a particularly intricate scheme, but it had been set into motion

quietly courting

moment before asking, "What do you think of

glanced at

manage to ask the right questions. That is precisely what I cannot understand. Grace has always been