Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 1521 - Bab 1530

In Tranquil Palace, Cecil sat still in a chair while Phoebe carefully dried his damp hair."You just washed your hair the other day, and now your hair and face are covered in fur after you went out to play with that little raccoon. If this happens again, I'll smack you on the backside," she said with an air of annoyance.The child, with delicate features and bright eyes, leaned into his sister's embrace. He smiled widely and said, "But the little raccoon is so fun and cute! It walks all over me with its little feet, and it's so cozy when I hold it."Phoebe sighed. "Mom said that Dad doesn't like raccoons. You keep telling him about it. No wonder he's been avoiding you lately."Cecil remained perfectly still, letting his sister continue to comb his hair.But he wasn't one to back down, so he said, "Dad and I are two different people. We each have our own likes and dislikes. Just because Dad doesn't like something doesn't mean I can't like it. I really like the raccoon. I love it. N

Carissa learned about Jeanette's miscarriage from Rafael.When Adelaide came by to invite her to visit the palace, she agreed. At first, the two women had little to do with each other. But ever since Kendrick and Carissa went to Orivenia together, Adelaide had become quite friendly, saying that sisters-in-law should spend more time together.As Kylie's cousin, Adelaide was a member of the Quinton family. She hadn't visited the queen since she was placed under house arrest, which made Carissa wonder if Adelaide's idea of "spending time together" meant the opposite—stay close if there were no troubles, but avoid each other if there was any.It was much like when Salvador had once been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Adelaide had kept her distance from Carissa then, fearing any trouble they faced might befall her too.In truth, Kendrick hadn't done much of note. He had only received brief praise from Salvador. But even that one compliment was enough to make Kendrick proud for tw

A few days later, the lifeless form of a palace maid was carried out of Victoria's palace.That same day, Salvador issued an edict, commanding Sylvia to move out of Tranquil Palace. She was to take Phoebe and Cecil with her and settle in Laurel Palace.Located in the northwest corner of the palace, Laurel Palace was near the Cold Palace. Almost no one went there on normal days.When the edict was delivered, Sylvia was struck dumb. She stood frozen, unable to comprehend for a long time. It was some time before she managed to regain control of herself, though her face was still deathly pale."Pack up," she finally instructed her attendants in a hollow voice.This was it—she and Cecil were completely out of the succession race.Truth be told, she had expected this outcome ever since she learned of Jeanette's miscarriage. She had known this day would come. The dosage she had given Jeanette was small, barely enough to show any immediate effects. She had anticipated that it would take

Soon, Victoria issued an edict, stating that Sylvia had been relocated to Laurel Palace so Cecil could recover in peace. Under no circumstances was she to be neglected.With the queen dowager watching over them, the Royal Management Department didn't dare slack in their duties. Sylvia still received food, clothing, and provisions befitting her rank. However, when her family sought an audience with her, they were turned away under the pretense that Cecil's recovery required absolute quiet.Gladys had no choice but to seek out Carissa, hoping she could deliver some money on their behalf. If Sylvia could smooth things over with the right people, perhaps she and the children wouldn't suffer as much.Gladys didn't know whether her daughter had truly been involved in Jeanette's miscarriage, but she did know how difficult life could be for a concubine who had fallen out of favor. The palace was full of people who flattered those in favor and trampled those who had lost power.Even when Ca

Lydia had no choice but to try and meet with Connor.However, the study hall was strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel. If she wanted to see him, she had to wait for the brief moments when he left—either on his way back to Serenity Palace or while heading to the training grounds.Even then, she could only watch from a distance. A swarm of attendants and guards surrounded him at all times, making it nearly impossible to catch more than a fleeting glimpse.On some days, she couldn't see him at all. The royal guards, towering and broad-shouldered, flanked him in two rows. They shielded him so thoroughly that even the tip of his head was obscured.She attempted to bribe them, offering money in exchange for a mere hour of Connor's time. But these men were guards whom Victoria had personally chosen. They were unyielding and incorruptible. Forget silver coins, even gold coins wouldn't tempt them.Victoria had chosen the simplest, most crude method of protection. Even Salvador him