Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

There was little doubt in the minds of the assembled company that the equestrian competition, though seemingly designed for the military men, had a deeper purpose to showcase how much Connor had improved since the Verdant Hunt.

As for the explanation that the eldest prince's misstep during that time had been caused by stomach pains, many later came to see the flaw in that reasoning. Had he truly been unwell, surely he would have shown signs of it earlier. Indeed, he had been as lively as ever that morning.

And yet, it was not so much a mistake as a lapse in composure. To miss his mark and then break down in tears-where was the resolve expected of a prince in such a moment?

Upon hearing about the competition, Kylie felt a surge of satisfaction. She hastened to Serenity Palace and implored the queen dowager to permit a brief meeting between her and her son. This time, Victoria agreed, but with the condition that she be present. No private meeting was to take place.

Though Kylie had hoped to speak privately with Connor, particularly to explain the matter of her poisoning him, she had no choice but to accept the queen dowager's terms. A meeting, however brief, would suffice.

She arrived in the evening and attended to Victoria during her supper. After waiting for two hours, she finally saw Connor and Ryan return, hands clasped, with Caden following behind. It was so cold, yet their foreheads were drenched in sweat, which showed they had just finished training.

The moment Kylie laid eyes on her son, her heart clenched and her eyes welled with tears. It had been so long since she had seen him. He had changed so much, now thinner and taller.

Connor and Ryan were laughing as they entered the room. But when the eldest prince noticed his mother and grandmother sitting together, his smile slowly faded. He approached and greeted Victoria first, then softly greeted Kylie. His tone was markedly cool, the warmth and his usual affection gone.

Following his lead, Ryan and Caden greeted the two women and withdrew to stand at a distance.

However, Kylie paid them no mind. Her tears flowed freely as she could scarcely believe what she saw. Her son was no longer filled with joy at the sight of her. Instead, he acted cold and distant. In the past, he would have run to her and sought comfort in her arms.

clear that Victoria's influence had successfully driven

not allow her resentment to show, but on the inside, her anger toward the queen dowager burned fiercely. There had been a misunderstanding between Kylie and Connor, one

that Victoria had used that matter to drive a wedge between them, causing the growing

with a handkerchief, wiping away the tears. "It has been so long since

had grown thin,

his features, along with his dark brows and eyes, now made

Yet, with

a subtle air

a quiet authority that belied

a step forward. "I am here, Mom. You can see me quite clearly from where

closer," Kylie

him in her arms without hesitation. This time, her tears fell with a sense of

do you act so distant with me? Have you come to resent me for not being able to visit you? I have longed to

faltered, she quickly silenced herself a silent message to

queen dowager took a sip of her coffee, her gaze unfaltering as she gave no indication that she had heard the queen's words. She raised a hand, silently instructing

quickly pulled away from Kylie and glanced at Ryan.