Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Lydia had no choice but to try and meet with Connor.

However, the study hall was strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel. If she wanted to see him, she had to wait for the brief moments when he left-either on his way back to Serenity Palace or while heading to the training grounds.

Even then, she could only watch from a distance. A swarm of attendants and guards surrounded him at all times, making it nearly impossible to catch more than a fleeting glimpse.

On some days, she couldn't see him at all. The royal guards, towering and broad- shouldered, flanked him in two rows. They shielded him so thoroughly that even the tip of his head was obscured.

She attempted to bribe them, offering money in exchange for a mere hour of Connor's time. But these men were guards whom Victoria had personally chosen. They were unyielding and incorruptible. Forget silver coins, even gold coins wouldn't tempt them.

Victoria had chosen the simplest, most crude method of protection. Even Salvador himself required an escort to visit the boy.

By contrast, Caden enjoyed a degree of freedom. As Grace had held authority over the harem for a while, she had her own network of people stationed throughout the palace and could protect her son.

Still, Victoria had placed watchers of her own. Not to guard against danger, but against ambition.

Both Kylie and Grace were uneasy, their hearts restless.

For a time, the queen had been pleased, but doubt soon crept in. Without an official announcement of who had been chosen as crown prince, Caden still had a chance-however slim-to contend for the position. As long as the edict remained sealed, Grace would hold on to hope.

In Kylie's mind, it was better if everyone else abandoned their ambitions. Then, no danger would remain.

or expectations. She was well aware that the royal edict would most likely contain Connor's name.

power simply by waiting for

seized, not

Salvador might overlook Connor. With his arrogance and reckless temper, the eldest prince had seemed an unlikely choice. But now, things were

If the eldest prince were dead, Caden would

carried the heavy stain of the crime of plotting against

had

so fiercely,

Kylie was trying to have him return to Everspring Palace. So, she waited, as the only chance to act would be when Connor

useless. Not only had she failed to bring the boy back to her palace, but she couldn't even manage to see

wariness only confirmed what Grace already suspected the name written in the sealed edict could only be

information about Salvador's health, she also searched for an opportunity to strike. The act itself

ahead. She had already spread rumors throughout the palace, making it well known that Kylie and Sylvia had a falling out.

If this matter sparks another dispute

it

her hand dismissively. "No. Lady Carissa must not be

like lifting a stone only

added, "There is no need to fan the flames any further. The grudge between them js already known. If we escalate matters now, the queen dowager and the