Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Marjorie entered the palace with a quiet determination, having been sent by Malcolm to make his position clear.

Kylie's fury flared when she learned that her father intended to remain neutral.

"I've always supported our family when asked, without hesitation. But now, when I need help, you all retreat. I don't understand. If Connor becomes king, doesn't that benefit the Quinton family? Does Dad really believe everything will be smooth sailing for our family in the future?" Kylie said, her voice sharp, her eyes cold.

Marjorie sighed. "Your dad wishes to remain a loyal subject, to follow His Majesty's wishes."

Kylie's anger was so intense that she almost barked a laugh. "A joke! He's knee- deep in filth and still dares to talk of loyalty? Why didn't he say that sooner? It would have saved me from being sent into this royal family, left to fight and struggle all alone."

"Your dad's private life may be in question, but in his years of service in the Civil Department, he has served the throne faithfully. He has never been involved in bribery or corruption," Marjorie responded.

"Whether he's been corrupt or not, he knows the truth. What do you know? He's kept a mistress and even had children with her. Don't pretend you didn't know," Kylie said with a sneer, her words laced with bitterness.

She knew how to hit her mother where it hurt the most.

Lydia interjected

face remained unchanged, though the words stung. That betrayal, though

the Quinton family should not meddle in. His Majesty is already tightening his grip on our family. It could make matters worse if your dad were to intervene. His Majesty would grow more suspicious and resentful. That would only further diminish Prince Connor's chances of claiming the

needs to do is

would understand the precarious position

Salvador not be wary of the Quinton family? He was

at the head of the Civil Department for the years. Countless officials, both in court and in distant provinces, were his and Gerald's students. Moreover,

severe consequences and likely be

any interference and let Salvador make his own decision. If Connor were appointed crown prince, the Quinton family would then take the initiative to prune their own

not something Marjorie could admit outright. For one, Kylie would never believe it.

was that if these words reached Salvador's

to guess