Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Salvador announced his decision before asking Rafael about the investigation.

The king knew the colt wouldn't go wild for no reason. He had asked about the horses before-some had a bit of a temper, but the children had already tamed them.

Rafael didn't hide anything and handed over the caltrop. "Someone placed this under the saddle. When the saddle was empty, the thorn caused only a mild discomfort to the horse. But once Prince Connor got on, the sharp spikes stabbed into the horse's flesh, causing it to go berserk from the pain."

Salvador's gaze grew cold as he looked at Carissa. "Did no one inspect the saddles beforehand?"

Carissa hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty, we checked thoroughly. The horses were under constant guard, and aside from the three princes and Ryan, no one was allowed near them. They led their own horses; no one else handled them during the journey."

Victoria's expression was equally grim. "I gave strict orders to the guards. The horses, the three princes, and Ryan should never leave their sight. Unless one of my own trusted servants has betrayed me, no one should have been able to approach those horses."

"But this caltrop was placed under the saddle," Salvador said, his voice growing fierce with anger. "Who would want to harm Connor? This caltrop doesn't appear to be something that could have been made by just anyone. Whose work is this?"

Rafael hesitated, then knelt and apologized. "It was a device I brought for lessons with the children. When the guards found out that Prince Cecil had taken one to play with, they informed me. I ordered him to return it, but he claimed it was lost."

"Sylvia?" Salvador suggested, his mind immediately going to her.

young and innocent. He could

with Kylie in the past, and she harbors ambitions for Cecil to be the heir. It makes sense-revenge, and perhaps even an attempt to secure the crown prince title for Cecil,"

between Kylie and Sylvia. The motivations of revenge and ambition were plausible, and the plan seemed to have unfolded smoothly. But

could she have overlooked such an obvious flaw? How would she cover her tracks

on Kylie would come at the price of her own life, and possibly Cecil's as well. Perhaps there had been no ambition for the throne at all, only a desire for

truly be

saying, "We must investigate further. This

Your Majesty," Rafael

tears threatening to spill. "I have failed him failed to protect him,

his voice heavy with sorrow.

with anger and grief, he turned to Carissa. "See to it! I want answers. No matter who is responsible, they will face the ultimate

"I will

Connor. The arrangements for the funeral will be handled by the Royal Management Department and the Protocol Department. Let Derek

paused, his throat tight as he

will prepare the coffin. If Connor survives these three days, place

throat, two tears falling in