Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1483 Though Salvador had trained in martial arts, he lacked Rafael's keen eye for detail. He hadn't noticed that Caden had prior training-he only saw a son who was diligent, disciplined, and improving rapidly.

A brilliant child.

If only he had been born to Kylie!

It would have made things so much easier. Salvador wouldn't have to hesitate- he could have simply chosen Caden.

The day before the Verdant Hunt, Salvador summoned Rafael to the royal study.

"What do you think of my three sons?" he asked.

Rafael answered bluntly.

"Prince Connor has no interest in martial arts. His talent is poor, and his attitude is indifferent. Even after days of training, he still holds the bow incorrectly. Every time I correct him, he makes the same mistake again the next day.

"Prince Caden is strong, skilled, and takes archery seriously. He already had a foundation before this, so he's nearly on par with Ryan.

"As for Prince Cecil, he's just there to play."

Salvador paused. "A foundation? Caden's trained before?"

"I checked his arms and bone structure," Rafael said. "He's practiced martial arts before specifically archery."

Salvador's expression eased slightly. "He's talented, hardworking... A child worth teaching."

If ability was all that mattered, Salvador wouldn't be sitting

naming his eldest son born from the queen as heir... wasn't it, in part, a way of justifying his claim

Rafael, lost

as heir? Especially when Rafael's

exceptional son rising before him... Did he feel even a twinge

the roles

the choice and he finally understood how impossibly difficult it

day of the Verdant Hunt

procession of carriages set out for Everwood

on the outskirts of the capital, Everwood Park was a vast hunting ground reserved for the royal family, its rolling hills strictly off-limits

ove

the endless blue sky and drifting

the lakeshore, the families of court officials set up camp. Elegant ladies, adorned in fine silks and exquisite jewelry, sat surrounded by maids and attendants, their laughter bright as they chatted amongst

elaborate gold and glass hair clasp as the prize-whoever caught the most game would

pair of finely crafted gold bangles

Sylvia still held authority over the harem, so they couldn't

show her generosity, Sylvia brought out a dagger she had obtained years ago-sharp enough to slice through iron with ease. She declared that she wanted to drink deer blood today, and that

anyone who laid eyes on them. The sight alone

in the fun, each offering up precious trinkets of their own to add to

truth-no matter how many treasures were laid out, the real victor would be Hell

consort.

compete with Hell

young men rode onto the field, their