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.

the royal edict would most likely contain Connor's name. However, the delay in announcing

simply by waiting for the heavens'

seized, not

believed that Salvador might overlook Connor. With his arrogance and reckless temper, the

her son could have a future was if Connor didn't. If the eldest prince were dead,

beyond hope, as Sylvia still carried the heavy stain of the crime of plotting against a royal heir. Though she had not been punished, Salvador would no longer

Connor had

with Victoria guarding him so fiercely, how

that Kylie was trying to have him return to Everspring Palace. So,

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

the name written in the sealed edict could

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

making it well known that Kylie and

deep in thought, Lyra, Grace's trusted maid, stepped forward and said, "Your Grace, Lady Carissa recently visited Lady Sylvia. If this matter sparks another dispute

it

dismissively. "No. Lady

be like lifting a stone only to drop it on

already known. If we escalate matters now, the queen dowager and the king may step in to resolve the conflict, and all