Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 1051 - Bab 1060

Thanks to Carissa's efforts, the Supreme Court had its hands full. She was everywhere, personally bringing meals to Rafael, making sure he was well taken care of—comfortable in every way possible.The evidence had already been collected, but the Supreme Court needed to verify it. Then, they would arrest the culprits for questioning. This was a task Rafael technically didn't need to bother with, but each of these criminals had powerful backers. Rather than risk Carissa offending anyone, it was better for him to be the one to handle it. Let the noble families be angry with him.The one most pleased by this turn of events was Max. Lately, he had been training with renewed vigor; he was confident that once the Garrison Unit was properly purged, it would become a solid shield protecting the capital.Alas, his joy was premature. After the Supreme Court's thorough investigation began, petitions flooded in, with many suggesting that the Garrison Unit's duties overlapped too much with the

Rafael's expression darkened, though not out of jealousy—he was more annoyed that Barrett was being so thoughtless. Carissa had just come from an audience with the king, and Barrett had the audacity to stop her and ask questions. Didn't he realize that the royal study wasn't just full of palace servants? Ministers and officials were coming and going, too."I didn't pay him much mind," Carissa said, "but it surprised me that he'd still ask about Aurora.""Forget him," Rafael muttered, then opened his arms and pulled her into an embrace. "Let's go get Ryan."As the carriage rolled on, the golden hues of the setting sun filtered through the curtains and cast a warm glow on their faces, as if the world itself had been dusted with sunlight.When they arrived at the academy, Dylan parked the carriage and went inside to fetch Ryan. Moments later, he returned, guiding Ryan out to the carriage.Ryan had matured noticeably. When he had first started at the academy, he would have bounded o

Salvador listened to Derek's report, his face darkening with anger. "Wretched little fool!" he muttered."Your Majesty," Derek continued, "the queen dowager has instructed Lady Helen, Prince Rafael, and Lady Carissa to leave the palace. She told them she wanted Lord Ryan to stay for lunch, and she will send him out when the palace gates close.""Go to the kitchen yourself. Have them prepare some of Her Majesty's favorite dishes. I will join her for the meal," Salvador said."Yes, Your Majesty.""Then go to Everspring Palace and deliver my command. Have Barrett take Connor to kneel in the royal chapel. Barrett is to recount every battle the Sinclair family has fought. I will interrogate him on the details."Derek thought this was an excellent idea, particularly the bit about sending Barrett to handle it.After Derek withdrew, Salvador stared at the stack of reports before him, his mind drifting.In recent years, the calls to appoint the crown prince have grown louder. Throughou

Kylie's words incensed Salvador to the point of fury. With a swift motion, he swept the cup off the table, sending it crashing to the floor in a sharp clang that startled Kylie into silence.She felt his reaction was somewhat excessive. "Your Majesty, it was just a careless remark from a child! It didn't hurt Ryan. Why such an outburst over something so trivial?"Salvador's voice was cold as ice. "If you'd rather Connor remain a mere child with no responsibilities or expectations, I will gladly grant your wish."Kylie was stunned. "Your Majesty, you can't say such things! If word of this gets out, I fear the ministers will take it to heart!"Salvador sneered. "And what's wrong with that? After all, you've made it clear you hold no great hopes for him. If he's to be nothing more than a lazy prince begging for scraps from his younger brother, so be it."Kylie's vision blurred, her mind reeling with the shock of his words. She nearly fainted, and a cold dread settled in her chest.

Before today, Carissa had never paid much attention to the question of who would succeed the throne.First, Salvador was still young; it seemed unlikely that he would appoint a crown prince so soon.Second, the royal family already had a legitimate eldest son, which was rare. Even in noble families, it wasn't uncommon for a legitimate son to be born after a concubine's child. There were many women in the king's harem, and it was always possible for a lesser concubine to bear the first son.In many noble families, it was customary that before the primary wife entered the household, no other concubines were allowed to bear children. Even during the nights of intimacy, a special medicine was consumed to prevent conception. If a woman were to accidentally become pregnant, a medicinal abortion was a common solution.However, the royal family was different. Any child born to a concubine, boy or girl, was still considered part of the royal bloodline.One of Salvador's concubines, Penelop