Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Kylie's sobs ceased abruptly. For a moment, she stood frozen.

Her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "What did you say, Your Majesty? Connor is not dead?"

How could he not be dead? The funeral had already been carried out, and he had been laid to rest. The entire court knew of his passing.

Salvador gazed steadily at her and said, "He is not dead, but gravely wounded. Both of his legs were shattered. If he survives, he'll never walk again. Healer Dalton has taken him to Eldermere Keep for treatment. If he recovers, he'll live under a new name. If not, at least the keep is a good place to lay him to rest."

Realizing that the king didn't seem to be lying, a sudden wave of hope and joy surged in the queen's heart. But right after, confusion set in.

"If he is alive, why was the funeral held? Why not treat him here in the capital? What if his injuries aren't as bad as they seem? What if you've been deceived by Healer Dalton, Your Majesty? He's close to Lady Carissa, who has always wanted Cecil to be crown prince."

Salvador regarded her with a raised brow. "How do you know of Lady Carissa's wishes regarding Cecil?"

"When the workshop was being established, my mother urged me to make an appearance to set an example. I refused, which put Lady Carissa at a

disadvantage. But Lady Sylvia and her mother went eagerly, offering money, shops, and favors. It was clear they were trying to curry favor with Lady Carissa," Kylie replied quickly.

Listening to her, Salvador actually chuckled. "Ah, so it's that easy to win Lady Carissa's favor? Then, why didn't you step forward when the workshop was first established? Surely, you could have gained her favor?"

Kylie's face paled slightly at the question.

Had she known the workshop would be accepted, she would have gladly stepped forward to assist Carissa. But at the time, the public sentiment was cruelly opposed to the venture. She had been too frightened to risk her reputation for the sake of a widely-scorned cause.

regret gnawed at her now, but

Connor now? How is he? Is there any possibility of bringing him back

travel to Eldermere Keep yourself, to care for

"He is my flesh and blood. How could I refuse? I would go to him at

slightly. "Your agreement is all I need. I shall first declare to the public that your grief over our son's

you shall remain at Eldermere Keep with Connor. Though life there will be humble, I

frozen, her eyes

do you mean that I may never return to the palace for the

you wish to

proclaim that you have gone to offer prayers for the wellbeing

years or so, you may return," Salvador replied.

drew in a sharp breath, her heart

years—perhaps even longer-the capital

be the queen, or even the

If she stayed, then even if Cecil ascended the throne one day, she would undoubtedly become the queen dowager. But if

at Eldermere Keep? It would be better to let him heal in peace while she secured

her head, she spoke with difficulty, her voice tinged with uncertainty

am no healer.

at Eldermere

I now agree to leave, it would go against my duty to

that I remain here