Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Salvador didn't grant Grace a swift death.

Instead, he commanded that her legs be shattered-one brutal strike at a time. Flesh split, blood pooled, and gleaming white bone pierced through torn skin.

The pain was so unbearable that Grace lost consciousness multiple times. After hours of torment, she was unceremoniously cast aside, her broken form left to suffer in the Cold Palace.

Salvador personally led Caden to the Cold Palace, his expression as cold as the wind that swept through its desolate halls.

The king pointed at Grace, who lay curled on the ground and howling in pain, then said to Caden, "Your elder brother suffered far worse when he fell from his horse. His pain was unbearable. He died from it-slowly, and with no reprieve."

Caden had long since been reduced to tears, his face streaked with grief and regret. As his legs gave out beneath him, he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, hands clamped over his ears as if that might drown out his mother's screams.

Salvador then ordered that Lyra be brought in. She was to remain at Grace's side, to ensure that the concubine did not die too swiftly. If she did, Lyra would meet a similar fate.

Though Lyra had once been complicit in Grace's schemes, even she had never witnessed such brutality. The only occasion that came close to this violence was the time Connor had fallen from his horse.

Back then, the sight of the injured prince had stirred a sense of satisfaction in her. Now, all that remained was the sharp sting of pain, as the reality of their ruthlessness sank in.

At Everspring Palace, Kylie was struck dumb with disbelief.

It was Grace-of all people, Grace!

She could scarcely comprehend what was unfolding before her when Carissa and Derek arrived. They had brought Caden, who was now so deeply affected by his guilt that he appeared half-mad, lost in a stupor.

him, Kylie's eyes flashed with hatred. "It was you! You

her hand and slapped Caden hard across the face. He didn't react, simply standing motionless as though he were no more than

was intent on delivering another blow, but Carissa stopped

see him dead myself!" the queen screamed, her face contorted with fury,

Majesty, His Majesty grieves for your loss. In his benevolence, he has sent Prince Caden

in disbelief, her finger trembling as she pointed at Derek. "His Majesty would have me care for the murderer of my child? I would

"Didn't you once declare that you would take Prince Cecil into your care, despite believing Lady

the same!" Kylie hissed, her fury

couldn't help but feel a sense of bitter amusement twist

course, it

chance. Caden had no family

e wa

eyes, the murder of a son matters little. For the sake of the crown prince title, you'd surety embrace even a slayer who wiped out your

faltered, as if struck

Majesty sees me? Does he believe

I knew she wasn't

But now, Lady Grace

recognized that her explanation sounded hollow. Her lips parted as she sought another line of reasoning but quickly abandoned

driven by fleeting passion, have been so thoroughly misinterpreted? Does His Majesty hold no regard for the

unwavering and measured: "This is not a matter we can answer on behalf of His Majesty. But if you wish, I shall relay your question

had not spoken a word throughout the exchange. Her duty was merely to escort Caden here