Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Jeanette didn't notice the subtle smirk tugging at the corner of Calista's lips.

The maid had been by her side since her time as a mid-ranked concubine. Smart and composed, Calista often offered Jeanette advice.

When Kylie had tried to win Jeanette over, Calista had warned that the queen's repeated house arrests were a sign Salvador no longer favored her. She had suggested Jeanette steer clear of Kylie, who held no authority over the harem, and instead align herself with Grace and Sylvia.

Calista had been right. Grace had treated Jeanette well, providing her with everything she needed, making it so no one dared to look down on her anymore.

But things had changed.

Grace, once a true ally, was now using Jeanette's pregnancy to get closer to Salvador. Jeanette couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about it.

"Do you not like Lady Grace's visits?" Calista asked as she adjusted the pillows to lift Jeanette's head and back.

Long days in bed had begun to wear on her; her back ached from lying down too much.

Trusting Calista as she did, Jeanette didn't hesitate to speak her mind, explaining, "When my pregnancy was more stable, Lady Grace didn't visit so frequently. Now, it's clear she's not coming to see me out of genuine concern. It's all because the king is here. He visits because he cares for me, but Lady Grace and Prince Caden keep interrupting us, so we hardly have a chance to talk."

Calista offered a comforting smile. "You don't need to worry about such things. Just focus on taking care of yourself."

Jeanette sighed deeply. "I lie in bed all day and night, and can only sit up when His Majesty comes. This child is certainly causing me some discomfort. I hope it's a prince—then at least all this suffering will be worth it."

will surely come

Dalton has been living in the palace and taking care of him day and

"I'm not sure, Your Grace. However, His Majesty seems to be in good spirits. It's likely that Healer Dalton was brought in to help with his recovery. Since the royal physicians only need to check on him,

give birth to a prince, surely I'll be promoted to a

raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Your Grace. So, it's even more important that you take good care of

her hand more firmly against her belly. She was determined to protect this child—no matter what. With this child, her future in

to dream of when she first entered the palace. It was only thanks to her mother's

uncertain. Nothing held more weight than the king's favor and the promise of offspring. Those were the only

need to constantly please Lady Grace," said Jeanette. Her tone was soft, tinged with

Jeanette settle into bed before quietly leaving the

Grace stopped visiting

Grace's ears and made her angry. But the next day, Grace still sent royal

ease. So, she had Calista inquire about Caden. It turned out that the prince was sick,

attending to him every day, which was why she

news allowed

every opportunity to attract his attention knowing well that men tended to be drawn to women who appeared delicate and in need of protection.

reclined in her chaise lounge, a golden armor clasp brushing lightly against her satin gown as she listened to the

ungrateful, let

just aren't meant