Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The caltrop was placed into Caden's trembling hands. Examining it carefully, he realized there was no mistake-it was the very one Cecil had once played with.

"As they have treated you, so must you treat them in return," Grace whispered in his ear, sending a shudder down his spine.

In a panic, Caden flung the caltrop away.

Grace retrieved it herself, then took her son's small, icy hand in hers and led him away.

"The fact that I no longer hold authority in the harem has emboldened Queen Kylie," she said. "She believes she may act against you without consequences. But she is mistaken. I still have people loyal to me placed everywhere. The moment I uncovered their treachery, I had them brought here for questioning. You saw it with your own eyes, and you know the man-he is from Everspring Palace."

Caden's mind was in turmoil, torn between fear and distress.

Kylie wished him dead. But did his elder brother wish that as well? Had all their kindness merely been an elaborate pretense?

Caden returned to his chambers, dazed, barely registering his mother's soft- spoken words.

"Tomorrow, you shall do as follows..."

When she finished speaking, Caden was shaking uncontrollably.

"If you do not act, it is you who will die," Grace added, her voice sharpening.

hurled the caltrop away and threw himself into his mother's

don't want to die, but I don't want

kindness does not mean you must stand idly

he asked, "Can I not do as I did before-win over Uncle Rafael and Aunt Carissa? If they stand by me, won't

is of no use," Grace replied gently, adjusting her approach. "They all know that

tone, saying, "Besides, I do not mean for your brother to die. Once he is thrown from his horse, the royal physicians will tend to

"When that happens, he will no longer be a threat to you, nor will he ever be in a position to harm you again. If you still hold brotherly affection for him, then so be it. You may grant him a

asked, lifting his tear-filled eyes to

am not a cruel woman. Taking a life should always be avoided if possible. Our only

an hour, she coaxed and reassured him. At last, Caden took the caltrop

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sharp pointed edges jutted out precise angles. When placed beneath a saddle, it would cause discomfort to the horse. But without a rider's weight pressing down on it,

a cup of warm milk that he finally drifted to sleep Grace listened to the soft, steady rhythm of his

then rose and left with her. Seated in the quiet

serene.

the queen dowager. Had she not arranged matters so meticulously, he wouldn't have needed

comes to know the taste of power, he will not regret it," Lyra