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.

her now, but Kylie could not

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

"I have come to ask if you would be willing to travel to Eldermere Keep yourself, to care for him. Before

welled up in Kylie's eyes. "He is my flesh and blood. How could I refuse? I would go to him at

agreement is all I need. I shall first declare to the public that your grief over our son's passing has left you ill.

remain at Eldermere Keep with Connor. Though life there will be humble, I shall ensure the two of you want for

stood frozen, her eyes wide

may never return to the palace for the remainder

you wish to return,

you have gone to offer prayers for the wellbeing of Starhaven, to

you may return,"

a sharp breath, her heart

even longer-the capital would

able to be

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

better to let him heal in peace while she secured her position before

with difficulty, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she

am no

at Eldermere

times past, the queen dowager never approved of my closeness to Connor. Should I

believe it best that I remain