Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Sitting in front of her vanity table, Sylvia suddenly recalled that the dress she had once asked her mother to order from Camila had been delivered. She had

intended to wear it at the New Year's Eve banquet.

The dress was a rich shade of sunset yellow, embroidered with delicate camellia flower blossoms. Charming and vivid, the hem of the skirt flowed in graceful waves, the brightness of its color giving it an air of both beauty and refinement.

Sylvia asked Heidi to bring the dress over and help her into it. She gazed into the mirror, entranced by her own reflection. While doing so, she noted that although she looked a little haggard, she remained as stunning as ever. Her skin was still pale and smooth, free from the slightest sign of age or fatigue.

Her slender, pale fingers traced the intricate embroidery as she murmured softly to herself, "Ms. Moore's needlework is indeed extraordinary. This dress surpasses even the finest dress I own. How truly exquisite."

Heidi knelt at her side with tears welling in her eyes. "Your Grace, I know what you intend, but you mustn't. If you do, it will be as if you're taking your own life out of guilt, leaving Prince Cecil forever accused of plotting against Prince Connor."

Sylvia smiled arrogantly, though it carried a touch of coquettishness. "Who said I intend to end my life? A concubine who takes her own life would bring disgrace to her family. I have already failed in fulfilling my duty to my parents. How could I stain their name?"

Her fingers continued to stroke the intricate embroidery, her gaze firm. "I am innocent. I will not be driven to despair, but I shall protect my children at all costs. Let them conduct their investigation. Lady Carissa is swift in her work."

Sylvia only needed to wait for the investigation's results, which would undoubtedly point towards Laurel Palace and implicate both her and Cecil.

Hearing that Sylvia didn't intend to end her own life, Heidi felt slightly relieved.

snipped off a stray thread. Afterward, she made her way to the outer hall, placing

"How are things on Lady Grace's end? I hear a royal

heard that Prince Caden has been terribly frightened," came the

"After all, he is but a child. How could he not be terrified, seeing his brother, whom he had grown so close to, lying in a pool of

doubted Caden. After

didn't possess the

commit such vicious acts. And moreover, Caden was Grace's flesh and blood. Sylvia believed that a mother would never allow her child's hands

speculate, Sylvia concluded that Caden

shattered by the horror he

-

were clear that the inquiry should begin with Jeanette's miscarriage-Carissa's first line of questioning

confirmed that the caltrop was indeed Cecil's and verified that the boy had ridden their horses. Still, Ryan vehemently assured that Cecil's nature was innocent. Though lively and full of mischief, the young prince had no

them were familiar with the caltrop, confirming once more

guards, palace attendants, and nannies were questioned in turn, gathering their testimonies on the matter of Jeanette's miscarriage and Kylie's confrontation at Laurel Palace. When all the scattered testimonies were pieced together, everything pointed

Laurel Palace, she made a

to see Connor, she was in a state of madness.