Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Sylvia's lips parted in shock. Her mind was in turmoil.

Based on Victoria's words, it was clear that they knew the truth, yet had no intention of investigating further.

But did Sylvia truly wish for them to pursue the matter?

If they did, she would be the first to bear the consequences. Regret settled over her like a heavy cloak. Coming to confess had only cemented her guilt. Lowering herself to the floor, she bowed deeply before stumbling out on unsteady feet.

Watching her retreating figure, Victoria thought back to when Sylvia first entered the palace. Back then, she had been strikingly beautiful, with a proud and aloof temperament. After securing Salvador's favor, she had become arrogant, even domineering.

Over the past two years, she had learned to restrain herself, but the pride in her bones had never truly faded. And now, just the glimmer of ambition had driven her to this.

Power could really drive people to madness.

To prevent further complications, Victoria issued an order: Kylie and Grace were to copy religious texts, a task that would last until New Year's Eve. Only then would they be permitted to leave their quarters.

As for Connor and Caden, they were to spend their days studying and their evenings training in martial arts under Rafael's guidance. Also, they would reside in Serenity Palace, with Kylie and Grace barred from seeing them.

Because Serenity Palace was an impenetrable stronghold, there was little risk of the princes' food or drink being tampered with. However, they were most vulnerable when traveling to and from their lessons, so Rafael arranged for soldiers from the Mystic Army to escort them, ensuring their safety.

rumor spread through the palace. It was said that Sylvia's demotion had been

few days, another rumor arose, claiming that Sylvia had been innocent all along. The true culprit was Kylie, and Sylvia had merely taken the

rumor spread like wildfire, sweeping through the palace corridors until

if she had played a role in Jeanette's miscarriage, she couldn't allow the blame to fall upon her. Besides, she was confident there was no evidence against her. If

who might be

Sylvia, she unleashed a torrent of scathing accusations. She claimed Sylvia had slandered her, spreading falsehoods and committing the

those two charges, Kylie ordered her attendants to slap Sylvia as

had long since fallen from favor. With that in mind, how could the few attendants remaining in

and struck across the face a dozen times. They

to her knees and cried, "Mother,

Kylie and sank his teeth into her arm, biting down with all his strength. Despite her striking him across

hurried to stop him, but it

no move to retaliate further. Instead,

How dare he attack me! Such reckless defiance! If he behaves

hardly stand, swaying as

in such a wretched state, she still shielded her children behind her. Her glare was fierce as she fixed

a hoarse voice, she said, "Are you truly so blameless, Your Majesty? Do you dare swear to the heavens that you had no hand in the loss of Lady