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.

well aware that the royal edict would most likely contain Connor's name. However, the delay in announcing the decision left room for her to continue striving for her son's

rise to power simply

was seized,

his arrogance and reckless temper, the eldest prince had seemed an unlikely choice. But

was if Connor didn't. If the eldest

stain of the crime of plotting against

Connor had

Victoria guarding him so fiercely, how

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

Kylie was utterly useless. Not only had she failed to bring the boy back to her palace, but she

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

The act itself would be difficult, but what was even harder was ensuring that

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

Lady Carissa recently visited Lady Sylvia. If this matter sparks another

it

her hand dismissively. "No. Lady Carissa

lifting a stone only to drop it on

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 king may step in to