Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Victoria couldn't hold back her tears upon hearing those words. Connor was a dutiful child, and it was unfortunate that Kylie remained blind to that.

Night had fully fallen by the time they set off.

Kyle and Isaac, accompanied by Sebastian's apprentices, escorted them. The journey had been well-prepared by Rafael. The carriage wheels had been altered, and several layers of soft padding had been laid inside.

Sebastian had also ensured that Connor's injuries were properly secured, wrapping him in several layers. Each layer was padded with cotton, both to keep him warm and to reduce the damage from the bumps during the journey.

The bitter cold had driven everyone indoors, leaving the streets deserted. Snow fell in a steady, gentle stream, blanketing the cobblestones in a thin layer of frost. The carriage wheels crunched over the icy coating, the soft sound a contrast to the stillness of the night.

Salvador watched for a long time, well past the point when the convoy had disappeared from view. He was shivering from the cold, but wanted to stand there just a little longer before returning to the palace.

"Your Majesty, it's very cold. Let's go back," Rafael said softly, gently brushing away the snowflakes that landed on his brother's head and shoulders.

"Where's Mom?" Salvador asked as he turned away from where he was looking. Victoria hadn't come out to see Connor off. She was old, and farewells like this were the hardest and most painful.

"She's still waiting for you," Rafael replied.

Salvador's eyes lost focus as he asked, "Do you think he will survive?"

certain answer. The journey to Eldermere Keep would take at least half a month, and with Connor's severe injuries, it seemed a daunting prospect. The exhaustion of travel, combined with the internal

well, he likely asked because he needed some

"He will survive. With

to walk with Rafael. As they began their journey back to the palace, the king at

with them, but Rafael knew the details of the investigation. So, he recounted everything from beginning

reflected on the matter for some time before saying, "Sylvia was a simple woman. Her likes and dislikes were plain to see. Though

child. But even so, the poison would have taken weeks to act. The fact that she was willing to stake

"Continue the investigation. It is imperative that

hearing this, Rafael knew at once that Sylvia

and Sylvia had staked her life on proving her innocence. That left Grace as the most likely culprit. With only

investigation would not exclude

not override objective

Sylvia's passing deepened

had never truly entrusted his heart to any of the women in his harem However, Sylvia had been the one he favored most. Perhaps it was due to her beauty, or maybe

chose to take her life with sharp pair of scissors. To protect Cecil, She was willing to sacrifice everything, even her life," Salvador murmured, pulling his sleeves tighter, as if trying to ward off the chill that seemed to have settled in his

Kylie, when she had opted for her royal position, choosing her

the palace secretly, with trusted guards