Her Graceful War Song

Grace received Salvador's arrival with a sense of dread.

The past days had been filled with Carissa's relentless probing, which had left Grace in a state of terror. Yet, despite her fear, a small spark of hope still flickered within her.

Connor was dead, while Cecil was but a child and of frail health. It was Caden- intelligent as well as gifted in both studies and martial arts—who was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the throne.

If not Caden, then who? Could it truly be Cecil?noveldrama

If Caden were chosen, Grace was certain she wouldn't be blamed for anything. Salvador wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the birth mother of the crown prince and future king.

Now, as Salvador arrived at Iridescent Palace, Grace's heart began to race. His presence could only mean one of two things. Either he had come to check on Caden's progress and finalize his selection as crown prince, or more dangerously he had come with evidence and questions regarding the events that had unfolded.

Either way, today would bring an answer.

Grace led the servants to kneel in greeting. She kept her head lowered, her gaze fixed on the king's golden silk shoes embroidered with flying griffins.

Salvador extended his hand toward her, his voice gentle but firm as he said, "Rise, Grace. It is far too cold to be kneeling for so long. Do not risk damaging your knees."

Her tense shoulders relaxed as she slowly placed her hand in his and stood up. Her expression remained as gentle as ever as she replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Are you feeling better?"

"Much better, thank you," Salvador responded, leading her further into the room. His demeanor was no different from usual. "It occurred to me that I haven't visited you or Caden in some time, and as I had some free moments today, I thought I would come and see how you both are faring. Has the medicine led to any improvement for him?"

Grace's heart soared at Salvador's concern for Caden, though her expression remained unchanged.

"The royal physicians have said that Caden's condition was caused by a great shock. He must rest for another two or three months before he fully recovers," she answered calmly.

Salvador seated himself with ease, his expression still kind and patient. "Bring him to me. He will be at ease knowing I am here."

Grace immediately signaled for Lyra to fetch Caden. Over the last few days, the second prince had seemed somewhat better. He ate and dressed normally, though he scarcely spoke.

She prepared Salvador for what to expect, saying, "Your Majesty, Caden is not speaking much these days. He doesn't answer when asked, but otherwise, his routine is normal... On occasion, he reads or practices his martial arts."

In truth, Caden had neither read nor practiced any martial arts. Grace had once tried to give him a book, only for him to tear it apart. Yet, in Salvador's presence, she needed to present Caden as a diligent and studious child-qualities the king valued above all.

Salvador's expression softened, a look of approval crossing his features. "That's good to hear."

At the sight of his gentle demeanor, Grace's heart finally settled.

Caden appeared from behind Lyra, a handful of servants trailing just outside the hall. However, they didn't approach any closer.

Caden had grown thinner, his face hollow, with dark circles under his eyes. His complexion was sickly pale, and his once-fitting garments now hung loosely about him. Even the cloak draped over him couldn't hide how his waistline had thinned. His expression was vacant, his eyes fixed and unblinking, as if he had lost the will to move.

Lyra gently guided him to stand in front of Salvador.

Grace immediately stepped forward. "Your father is here to see you. Show your respect to him, Caden."

The second prince knelt without a word. However, his lips remained sealed and he offered no reply.

Salvador watched him for a long while, then slowly extended a hand to help him rise. "Do not fear, my son. I am here."

But Caden instinctively withdrew his hand and shrank back, his discomfort palpable.

Grace quickly intervened, saying, "Your Majesty, he is much improved, though the royal physicians say it will take more time to fully recover."

Salvador nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed upon Caden, the sadness growing more evident in his eyes. understand. I know the bond between you brothers. You cannot yet accept that he is gone, and neither can I."

He paused, his tone lowering as he added, "Do you know how much he suffered

before his death?"

Salvador didn't look away from

Caden's face as he continued, "His legs were crushed, the bones shattered. His insides were

ruined his organs destroyed. His skull was fractured, and he bled

from every part of his body. He didn't just die, he died in agony."

Caden's pupils widened and his body trembled uncontrollably. In a reflex, he pressed his hands over his ears. Tears welled up in his eyes and spilled down his face relentlessly.

"Your Majesty, please!" Grace cried out in alarm, her voice frantic as she rushed

to her son's side and pulled him into her arms. "You cannot say such things to him. He is already in such a fragile state."

Her heart raced, panic rising anew as she felt as if the ground was slipping from beneath her.

Salvador sighed heavily. "You're right, Grace. I should not have spoken of such things."

Turning back to the second prince, Salvador gently wiped away his tears. "Don't be afraid, my son. I have something for you."

Salvador withdrew his hand and reached into his pocket, pulling out a caltrop. He placed it in Caden's hand, speaking in a tone that carried through the room.

"Take this and place it under your elder brother's saddle. Once he's dead, you'll be the crown prince."