Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Grace received Salvador's arrival with a sense of dread.

The past days had been filled with Carissa's relentless probing, which had left Grace in a state of terror. Yet, despite her fear, a small spark of hope still flickered within her.

Connor was dead, while Cecil was but a child and of frail health. It was Caden- intelligent as well as gifted in both studies and martial arts—who was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the throne.

If not Caden, then who? Could it truly be Cecil?

If Caden were chosen, Grace was certain she wouldn't be blamed for anything. Salvador wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the birth mother of the crown prince and future king.

Now, as Salvador arrived at Iridescent Palace, Grace's heart began to race. His presence could only mean one of two things. Either he had come to check on Caden's progress and finalize his selection as crown prince, or more dangerously he had come with evidence and questions regarding the events that had unfolded.

Either way, today would bring an answer.

Grace led the servants to kneel in greeting. She kept her head lowered, her gaze fixed on the king's golden silk shoes embroidered with flying griffins.

Salvador extended his hand toward her, his voice gentle but firm as he said, "Rise, Grace. It is far too cold to be kneeling for so long. Do not risk damaging your knees."

Her tense shoulders relaxed as she slowly placed her hand in his and stood up. Her expression remained as gentle as ever as she replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Are you feeling better?"

"Much better, thank you," Salvador responded, leading her further into the room. His demeanor was no different from usual. "It occurred to me that I haven't visited you or Caden in some time, and as I had some free moments today, I thought I would come and see how you both are faring. Has the medicine led to any improvement for him?"

Grace's heart soared at Salvador's concern for Caden, though her expression remained unchanged.

a great shock. He must rest for another two or three months before he fully recovers," she

still kind and patient. "Bring him to me. He will be

fetch Caden. Over the last few days, the second prince had seemed somewhat better. He ate

saying, "Your Majesty, Caden is not speaking much these days. He doesn't answer when asked, but otherwise, his routine is normal... On occasion, he reads

any martial arts. Grace had once tried to give him a book, only for him to tear it

of approval crossing his features. "That's good

the sight of his gentle demeanor, Grace's heart finally

from behind Lyra, a handful of servants trailing just outside the

his eyes. His complexion was sickly pale, and his once-fitting garments now hung loosely about him. Even the cloak draped over him couldn't hide how his waistline had thinned. His expression was

him to stand in front

forward. "Your father is here to see

his lips remained sealed and he offered no

slowly extended a hand to help him rise. "Do not fear, my

instinctively withdrew his hand and shrank back, his

intervened, saying, "Your Majesty, he is much improved, though the royal physicians say

gaze still fixed upon Caden, the sadness growing more evident in his eyes. understand. I know the bond between you brothers. You cannot yet accept that he is

added, "Do you know how

before his death?"

didn't look away