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.

thought I had already been condemned as the villain of this tale. Surely I do not deserve such formalities from the two

the chairs. "Sit, then. Ask whatever you came to

hurried forward to offer them seats and

when Carissa lifted her cup and took

head. "Do you trust me so implicitly? Or

the concubine's gaze. "Lady Sylvia, Mr. Finley and I have been tasked with investigating Prince Connor's murder. As of now, we have

convey that the evidence was not yet conclusive. So, there

you not? Why bother with all these pretenses? If you

her brow. "It

Ministry of Defense has no shortage of such things. The one found

Connor's saddle may

son played with. Even if it was, it disappeared long ago.

evidence directly, Carissa said, "We have questioned the guards and attendants who tended to them. The horses were inspected prior to the incident, and after that, only

is why Mr. Finley and I are