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?"

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 bleeding, made recovery unlikely.

he

will survive. With Sebastian attending

As they began their journey back

them, but Rafael knew the details of the

Her likes and dislikes were plain to

taken weeks to act. The fact that she was willing to stake her life to prove

as he added, "Continue the investigation. It is imperative

at once

her own son, and Sylvia had staked her life on proving her innocence. That left

the investigation would not exclude Sylvia entirely.

not override objective

Sylvia's passing deepened

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 it was because her mind had not been as intricate and treacherous

was willing to sacrifice everything, even her life," Salvador murmured, pulling his sleeves

the choice he had given Kylie, when she had opted for her royal position, choosing

with trusted guards replacing those at the