Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

At his mother's words, Caden went pale and instinctively clutched his stomach.

Yet his mind was filled with memories of recent days-studying and training alongside his brothers and Ryan. Though the lessons were grueling, they encouraged one another and offered comfort in their shared hardships.

He hesitated, then asked, "Mom, perhaps it was all a misunderstanding? Connor and I... we're getting along well now."

Grace let out a long sigh, her gaze filled with both sorrow and tenderness. "Finish your supper first, my dear. When you're done, I shall take you somewhere."

"Where are we going?" Caden asked.

"Eat first," Grace replied gently. "Once you have finished, you shall see."

She remained seated beside him, attending to him with quiet patience, though she exchanged a subtle glance with Lyra.

As a sense of unease crept into Caden's heart, his chewing slowed. His thoughts weighed heavily upon him. He had long known that he and his elder brother were destined to compete for the title of crown prince. His mother had instilled that belief in him from an early age, urging him to see his brother as a rival.

Grace had always emphasized how vital the title was. And in truth, Connor had been insufferable in the past. Caden had once thought that if his brother were to inherit the title, he would become even more unbearable.

It was not that Caden had no ambition for the position, but life had been so pleasant as of late. The struggle for the title seemed far less important than it once had.

Grace observed her son in silence as he ate. She knew him well. He was intelligent, exceptionally gifted, and if properly nurtured-destined for greatness.

Yet, for all his intellect, he was still a child. He didn't yet grasp the full scope of power, and his heart was too easily swayed by fleeting joys. And though he was more thoughtful than most children his age, he was not cruel by nature. If asked to harm another, he would likely hesitate.

watchful and left Grace no opening for any other plan. There was but one path left-Caden had to act of

how well the brothers seemed to be

eating, he suddenly set down his utensils. "Mr. Young has given each of us a list of middle names, in preparation for our coming-of-age ceremonies. I have chosen Asher as mine. What do you think,

slightly. "Weren't there

Young said the name means harmony and benevolence, that I should cultivate a serene mind and act with kindness,"

didn't directly answer and merely urged, "Finish your supper quickly. Once you have eaten, I

unease gnawed at Caden, making it impossible to eat another

her feet and took his hand. "Very

thick with the stench of blood and damp wood. A chamberlain from Everspring Palace hung suspended by his arms, his toes barely grazing the ground. His robes were stained with blood, and

following orders! I beg

Harper, the head chamberlain of Iridescent Palace. He gripped a whip

queen give you? Were you

tore from the prisoner's

he said, "I... I

and Prince

place a spiked caltrop beneath Prince Caden's

before the competition to

he mounted, the three sharp points would pierce the horse's flesh and send it into a frenzy. In the

caltrop look

in cloth in my pocket. Please,

Prince Connor know of