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 Kylie

hand, asking, "What is to become of Connor now? How is he? Is there any possibility of bringing him back to the palace for treatment? I cannot bear to be apart

you would be willing to travel to Eldermere Keep yourself, to care for him. Before he left, he asked for you. If you and Lydia tend to him, that will

eyes. "He is my flesh and blood. How could I refuse?

shall first declare to the public that your grief over our son's passing has

with Connor. Though life there

her eyes wide

the palace for the remainder of my

to

that you have gone to offer prayers for the wellbeing of Starhaven, to seek blessings for the kingdom's

years or so, you may return,"

in a sharp breath, her

ten years—perhaps even longer-the

still be able to be the queen,

ascended the throne one day, she would undoubtedly become the queen dowager. But if she left, she

what could she do for Connor at Eldermere Keep? It would be better

spoke with difficulty, her voice

no healer. I

at

of my closeness to Connor. Should I now agree to leave, it

believe it best that I