Her Graceful War Song

"Then, what do you plan to do now, Your Majesty?" Rafael asked.

"At first, I thought that if I only had three months left to live, I would name Connor as my heir, appoint you as regent, and select a council of ministers to assist in governance. Caden would be sent to the Southern Frontier, and the queen would be deposed. That way, the Quinton family's influence could be weakened," Salvador replied.

Rafael lowered his gaze. "I fear I am not fit to bear such a heavy burden."

He knew that if he were named regent, there would inevitably be conditions attached. The most obvious one was that he would be required to remain childless. That way, even if he seized the throne, it would ultimately return to the right royal bloodline.

Salvador studied his brother for a long moment before sighing. "You see through everything. Yes, I had considered making you swear a solemn oath that you would never father children. I know it is selfish of me, but I have no other choice."

Rafael understood the king's reasoning. He could even sympathize.

But he wouldn't agree.

Having children was not a decision he could make alone. Carissa had a right to choose whether to bear a child or not. As the one who stood beside her, Rafael had no right to promise something that was not his to decide, nor would he bind himself with an oath he could not keep.

As if fearing he had not made himself clear enough, Salvador continued, his voice measured but firm.

"You understand what this means, don't you? For as long as you live, you will hold the power of the king. Even if you ascended the throne, no one could oppose you. That was my original plan-to ensure that though you would have no heirs, you would wield royal authority."

Rafael met his gaze steadily. "That was your original plan. And now?"

Salvador's eyes lingered on his brother's face, but he couldn't see any interest in the position of regent.

At last, the king said, "For now, we will see whether Healer Dalton's treatment has any effect. But his presence in the palace will stir the court. Ministers will press me to name a crown prince, and both the harem and the court will soon be thrown into turmoil."

What he left unsaid was clear. Even now, that same plan remained his best option.

Whether Salvador had three months or three years left, his sons were still too young. The kingdom would require a regent. Without one, the throne would be surrounded by wolves. Keeping it secure-keeping his heir alive-would be impossible.

One only had to look at the ambitions of Yuvan and Nicholas to know that the royal family had never lacked those with designs on the throne.

Rafael was silent for a long time before he finally said, "Your Majesty, have you considered that there may be no need for a regent at all? The queen dowager and the future king could rule together."

Salvador let out a weary sigh. "You think I haven't considered that? But Mom isn't in good health; she can't bear the burden of ruling. More importantly, a son will always lean toward his mother. Unless Kylie is dethroned in favor of a new queen, the future king will naturally favor his mom.

"When Mom first ascended to the throne, she distanced herself from her family to avoid the appearance of favoritism. Her relatives live in

comfort, far removed from court et

politics, and they've lost all their political power. Her family holds no real power, and without them as a counterbalance, the Quinton family will be impossible to contain. In this situation, the power might fall into others' hands."

If power was going to fall into someone else's hands anyway, Salvador would rather hand it to Rafael. At least then, the throne would remain in the Sanford family's grasp.

However, Rafael's repeated refusals made Salvador feel more at ease. The king had always viewed everyone from the perspective of power, forgetting that his younger brother had never been interested in it. Rafael had always said he wanted to be a chivalrous hero, fighting for justice.

Carissa had accused Salvador of misunderstanding his brother, and now, memories from their youth stirred in his mind.

"You need not trouble yourself with such matters right now, Your Majesty. Focus on your health. There is still a chance for things to turn around," said Rafael.

Salvador gave a tired nod, though his gaze lingered on Rafael for a beat longer before he suddenly asked, "You and Carissa have been married for some time now. Why hasn't she conceived? Could it be that despite your impressive appearance, there's something lacking in that area?"

He just had to bring up the most awkward topic.

Rafael straightened his back and replied loudly What are you saying, Your Majesty? Of course, there's nothing wrong! Carissa has not conceived because I took a

short-term infertility tonic prescribed by Sebastian. She has only just

begun her official career-pregnancy would interfere with her future."

Salvador let out a chuckle. "So, children are not a priority for you."

Rafael shook his head. "This is not a matter of importance but of choice. The decision to bear children is Carissa's She may choose never to have them, and that is her right. But I will ensure that if she ever does wish for a child, she will have one. That's why I will not swear an oath of childlessness for the sake of the regency."

Salvador stared at his brother for a long time, his expression unreadable.noveldrama

Suddenly, he understood why Carissa's love for Rafael was so unwavering. Perhaps it was because he gave her something that many men never could- respect.