جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 1540

There was little doubt in the minds of the assembled company that the equestrian competition, though seemingly designed for the military men, had a deeper purpose—to showcase how much Connor had improved since the Verdant Hunt.As for the explanation that the eldest prince's misstep during that time had been caused by stomach pains, many later came to see the flaw in that reasoning. Had he truly been unwell, surely he would have shown signs of it earlier. Indeed, he had been as lively as ever that morning.And yet, it was not so much a mistake as a lapse in composure. To miss his mark and then break down in tears—where was the resolve expected of a prince in such a moment?Upon hearing about the competition, Kylie felt a surge of satisfaction. She hastened to Serenity Palace and implored the queen dowager to permit a brief meeting between her and her son. This time, Victoria agreed, but with the condition that she be present. No private meeting was to take place.Though Kylie had h

Connor clutched the tree with both hands and leaned forward, pressing his face against its rough surface.His eyes were clouded with confusion as he murmured, "I don't know. My mom has always been good to me, but that one time… my stomach hurt so terribly. It was so bad that it made me wish for death itself."Connor turned to Ryan and asked, "Does Aunt Carissa treat you well?"The eldest prince knew that his friend's mother had passed away. In the past, Connor would have spoken of such things without hesitation, but he was more sensible now. Also, Ryan was an important friend to him, and he didn't want to bring up anything that made him sad.Victoria had often spoken of the importance of true friendship—the care and respect it entailed."Aunt Carissa is very good to me, especially so," Ryan responded."Then, do you think she would ever poison you for some purpose? Regardless of whether you were in pain until you wished for death?" Connor asked.Ryan didn't even need to consider

At his mother's words, Caden went pale and instinctively clutched his stomach.Yet his mind was filled with memories of recent days—studying and training alongside his brothers and Ryan. Though the lessons were grueling, they encouraged one another and offered comfort in their shared hardships.He hesitated, then asked, "Mom, perhaps it was all a misunderstanding? Connor and I… we're getting along well now."Grace let out a long sigh, her gaze filled with both sorrow and tenderness. "Finish your supper first, my dear. When you're done, I shall take you somewhere.""Where are we going?" Caden asked."Eat first," Grace replied gently. "Once you have finished, you shall see."She remained seated beside him, attending to him with quiet patience, though she exchanged a subtle glance with Lyra.As a sense of unease crept into Caden's heart, his chewing slowed. His thoughts weighed heavily upon him. He had long known that he and his elder brother were destined to compete for the title

With so much on her mind, Grace couldn't sleep. She rose, pulling a shawl over her shoulders, and walked with Lyra to Caden's chambers.Silently, she dismissed the attendants keeping watch over him for the night. Taking a seat by his bedside, her gaze fell upon her son's delicate, youthful face. He seemed to be having a nightmare. Even with his eyes closed, she could feel the fear emanating from him.She let out a quiet sigh, a flicker of vexation rising within her.Asher—that was the middle name Trevor had chosen for Caden, one meant to instill virtue and teach him kindness and humility. But in truth, it was a name meant to make him docile, to mold him into a man who would yield and never fight, forever content in the shadow of others.Why should he settle for that?Her son had every advantage but birthright. In every way, he surpassed Kylie's son.It was not that Grace wished to fight, but without a fight, there was no survival.Kylie was narrow-minded, selfish to the extreme,

The stables had already been thoroughly inspected. The horses were fed and groomed, ready for the day's festivities. The four children chattered excitedly, each tending to their own mount while exchanging lively remarks about the grand occasion.Despite Sylvia's fall from favor, Cecil seemed entirely unaffected. His face was bright with a cheerful smile.Naturally, Sylvia was present as well. No matter how she was treated within the harem, she remained, in the eyes of the public, Cecil's mother and an esteemed concubine of the kingdom.However, Jeanette had been too unwell to make the journey and had remained behind.Leading their horses out for a short ride, Cecil decided to test himself. Previously, he had always required assistance to mount. Today, he attempted the feat alone. To his delight, he succeeded in swinging himself onto his horse's back without aid.His face lit up with triumph. "Connor, Caden, Ryan! Look at me! I did it all by myself!"His exuberance was infectious.