Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1477 "Then, what do you plan to do now, Your Majesty?" Rafael asked.

"At first, I thought that if I only had three months left to live, I would name Connor as my heir, appoint you as regent, and select a council of ministers to assist in governance. Caden would be sent to the Southern Frontier, and the queen would be deposed. That way, the Quinton family's influence could be weakened," Salvador replied.

Rafael lowered his gaze. "I fear I am not fit to bear such a heavy burden."

He knew that if he were named regent, there would inevitably be conditions attached. The most obvious one was that he would be required to remain childless. That way, even if he seized the throne, it would ultimately return to the right royal bloodline.

Salvador studied his brother for a long moment before sighing. "You see through everything. Yes, I had considered making you swear a solemn oath that you would never father children. I know it is selfish of me, but I have no other choice."

Rafael understood the king's reasoning. He could even sympathize.

But he wouldn't agree.

Having children was not a decision he could make alone. Carissa had a right to choose whether to bear a child or not. As the one who stood beside her, Rafael had no right to promise something that was not his to decide, nor would he bind himself with an oath he could not keep.

As if fearing he had not made himself clear enough, Salvador continued, his voice measured but firm.

means, don't you? For as long as you live, you will hold the power of the king. Even if you ascended the throne, no one could oppose you. That was my original plan-to ensure

his gaze steadily. "That was your

eyes lingered on his brother's face, but he couldn't

effect. But his presence in the palace will stir the court. Ministers will press me

Even now, that same plan remained his

had three months or three years left, his sons were still too young. The kingdom would require a regent. Without one, the throne would be surrounded by wolves. Keeping it secure-keeping his

the ambitions of Yuvan and Nicholas to know that the royal

have you considered that there may be no need for a regent at all? The queen dowager and

good health; she can't bear the burden of ruling. More importantly, a son will always lean toward his mother. Unless Kylie is dethroned

to the throne, she distanced herself from her family to avoid the appearance of

far removed from court

political power. Her family holds no real power, and without them as a counterbalance,

going to fall into someone else's hands anyway, Salvador would rather hand it to Rafael.

refusals made Salvador feel more at ease. The king had always viewed everyone from the perspective of power, forgetting that his younger brother had never been interested in it. Rafael had always said he wanted to be a chivalrous hero,

had accused Salvador of misunderstanding his brother, and now,