Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

By the time they arrived at Laurel Palace, the sky had darkened.

Laurel Palace stood in an isolated corner of the palace district, separated from the Cold Palace by only a single wall. The bitter wind howled through the trees, its wailing like the cries of restless spirits.

As Carissa led Victoria's head chamberlain, Keith, along the narrow path, she took note of the wild grass lining the way. Most of it was dry and brittle, with only the occasional pale green shoot clinging to life. Winter in the north was unforgiving. It allowed no sign of growth, just as the abandoned Cold Palace permitted no trace of hope.

Ordinarily, Keith did not accompany Carissa on visits to the other residences. But this time, at Victoria's command, he had insisted on following her to Sylvia's chambers. Carissa understood the queen dowager's reasoning. Keith had served by her side the longest-if there was scheming afoot in the harem, none could decipher it better than he.

It seemed Sylvia had been waiting for them. When they entered, she rolled her neck with a slow stretch, as if shaking off fatigue, then cast a glance past them toward the doorway.

With a faint, indifferent smile, she said, "Only the two of you? I half expected you to bring an entire retinue to seal off Laurel Palace, Lady Carissa."

Carissa took note of Sylvia's attire-it was unmistakably Camila's work. The rich hues and intricate embroidery framed Sylvia's striking beauty, making her appear as radiant as the sun. And yet, her gaze held the same sharp defiance as ever. Even knowing what lay ahead, she carried herself with undiminished pride.

"Lady Sylvia," Carissa greeted, bowing respectfully as Keith followed suit.

mirthless laugh. "You're still greeting me with such courtesy? I thought I had already been condemned as the villain of this tale. Surely I do not deserve such formalities

the chairs. "Sit,

to offer them seats

remained silent, watching them with an unreadable expression until the drinks were served. Only when

me so implicitly? Or are you simply unafraid

and I have been tasked with investigating Prince

that the evidence was not yet conclusive. So, there was no

with skepticism. "And yet you suspect me, do you not? Why

her brow.

has

saddle may

the same one my son played with. Even if it was, it disappeared long ago. Who knows who took it? It

guards and attendants who tended to them. The horses were inspected

Mr. Finley and I