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.

to no hope or expectations. She was well aware that the royal edict would most likely contain Connor's name. However, the delay in announcing the decision left

could rise to power simply by

was seized, not

reckless temper, the eldest prince had seemed an unlikely choice.

only way her son could have a future was if Connor didn't. If the

still carried the heavy stain of the crime of plotting against a royal heir. Though she had not been punished, Salvador would no longer glance in their

Connor had

so fiercely, how

him return to Everspring Palace. So, she waited, as the only chance

she failed to bring the boy back to her palace, but she couldn't even manage to see him

already suspected the name written in the sealed edict could only

strike. The act itself would be difficult, but

the palace, making it well known that Kylie and Sylvia had a falling out. However, tying the assassination to Sylvia would

thought, Lyra, Grace's trusted maid, stepped forward and said, "Your Grace, Lady Carissa recently visited Lady Sylvia. If this matter sparks another dispute between Queen Kylie and Lady Sylvia, it could cause a great stir, especially if Lady

it

Lady Carissa

That would be like lifting a stone only to

the flames any further. The grudge between them js already known. If we escalate matters now, the