Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Connor clutched the tree with both hands and leaned forward, pressing his face against its rough surface.

His eyes were clouded with confusion as he murmured, "I don't know. My mom has always been good to me, but that one time... my stomach hurt so terribly. It was so bad that it made me wish for death itself."

Connor turned to Ryan and asked, "Does Aunt Carissa treat you well?"

The eldest prince knew that his friend's mother had passed away. In the past, Connor would have spoken of such things without hesitation, but he was more sensible now. Also, Ryan was an important friend to him, and he didn't want to bring up anything that made him sad.

Victoria had often spoken of the importance of true friendship-the care and respect it entailed.

"Aunt Carissa is very good to me, especially so," Ryan responded.

"Then, do you think she would ever poison you for some purpose? Regardless of whether you were in pain until you wished for death?" Connor asked.

Ryan didn't even need to consider the question. His answer was immediate.

"No, of course not."

if it were for your

it. Having lived as a beggar on the streets,

do such a thing, wouldn't that just fuel Connor's resentment toward Kylie? But if he said Carissa

lie

said, "For my future, Aunt Carissa would surely find another way. But perhaps your mother couldn't

dazed state, I heard the royal physician whisper that the poison could have killed me.

have wanted that. She wouldn't want you dead," Ryan said, comforting

them slightly, trying to mask the ache in his chest. "She definitely didn't want me dead. But the truth is, I was ready to listen to Aunt Carissa and apologize to my father. Still, my mother decided to do what she

not true. A mother would

stupid?" Connor muttered dejectedly, pressing his

were

already mastered those maneuvers. We learned together, and even Caden can do

yourself to others. Compare yourself to yourself. Haven't you already made

told Ryan about how Carissa said those words to him during the Verdant Hunt. Ever since then, it became the eldest prince's personal mantra. Whenever he felt exhausted or

Connor's eyes lightened a little

yesterday. And when I'm better, Mom