Her Graceful War Song

Salvador sat in silence for a long while, his expression gradually turning solemn. "Healer Dalton says I have three years left to live. The royal physicians once told me I had a year, yet it turned out to be only half that. I've come to realize that whenever physicians predict my lifespan, I must cut it in half. So, at best, I may have a year and a half... perhaps not even that."

"Your Majesty, do not despair-"

Salvador raised a hand, silencing him. "Listen to me. My mind is clear. I am not muddled. The matter of succession must be settled, and swiftly. However, I don't know whom to name. The future king will require a regent for years, and the prime minister is growing old. I don't trust anyone with the kingdom's future... except you."

Rafael said nothing. He knew well that his brother's trust and suspicion came in unpredictable waves, never following reason or pattern.

Salvador continued, "I have three sons. Since my eldest son was born of my queen, there should be no question of succession. But Connor is mediocre. If that was his only shortcoming, it would be of little concern.

"But he is lazy, willful, self-indulgent, and without ambition. He lacks resolve, his mind is weak, and even at seven years old, he behaves like an infant yet to be weaned. His grandmother and tutor have tried to mold him into something better, but at best, they are only able to restrain him. They can't change him. The moment Kylie dotes on him, he reverts-worse than before.

"Caden, on the other hand, is sharp, quick-witted, and devoted. He is barely five, yet already speaks with the eloquence of a scholar. It is clear that Grace has guided him well.

"As for Cecil, he is but three. Too young to judge."

Rafael listened as Salvador assessed his sons' virtues and failings. It was evident the king held little hope for Connor, though he had not yet reached the point of despair.

Salvador went on, "If I do not name Connor as crown prince, I must send him far away, bestow him with a princely title, and let him live in idle luxury. But even that would not ensure stability. The moment one of his brothers takes the throne, as my eldest son, Connor's very existence becomes his greatest crime."

He exhaled slowly. "Caden's natural gifts are undeniable. If I am to judge fairly, he

is the most suitable. In ability and virtue, no one could find fault with him. And yet..."

His voice trailed off. His brow creased ever so slightly.

"And yet what?" Rafael prompted.

Salvador let out a faint sigh. "His brilliance is unquestionable, his character flawless. And yet... There is something too perfect about him. He lacks the heart of a child. Every gesture, every word-it is as if he has been carefully molded, meticulously rehearsed.

"In my presence and in front of his grandmother, he is the picture of humility and obedience. But when Carissa passed by, he suddenly let slip hints of childish innoc And

there are always eyes upon him. It's not hard to guess what that implies."

Rafael was already aware of this matter as Carissa had spoken of it. Caden had not hidden away in that spot merely because he liked sweets and was secretly eating them. No, he had placed himself there deliberately, ensuring that Carissa would see him and be moved to pity.

There were two possible motives behind his actions.

First, to win Carissa's sympathy by making her believe Caden had been forced into precocious obedience, robbed of a child's simple joys. Second, to praise Carissa as a hero on Grace's behalf, a phrase meant to flatter her and draw her closer.

And both of these objectives rested on one crucial assumption: that Grace already suspected Salvador's health was failing, and that the Hell Monarch's household would hold sway in the matter of succession.

It was not a particularly intricate scheme, but it had been set into motion far too

soon. Undoubtedly, they had been quietly courting other ministers as well.

Rafael considered this for a moment before asking, "What do you think of Lady Grace, Your Majesty?"

Salvador glanced at him. "You

always manage to ask the right questions. That is precisely what I cannot understand. Grace has always been gentle and

unassuming, never one to grasp or contend. Her family is far weakernoveldrama

than Kylie's-the Quinton family

wields far greater influence.

"Even knowing Caden's potential, she shouldn't have revealed it so openly. If she were truly as calculating as this suggests, she would also know that such maneuvering would only harm Caden in the long run."

Rafael nodded. "That does seem to be the case."

Salvador let out a wry laugh. "I had my men look into it. And do you know what they found? Caden enjoys spending time with Cecil. Nearly every day, he visits Sylvia's palace."

Rafael hesitated. "You think... Lady Sylvia is behind this?"

Salvador's tone was measured but cold as he said, "Connor and Caden are at odds, just as Kylie and Grace are. And who stands to benefit from their conflict?" The answer was clear.

It would be the third prince, Cecil.