Her Graceful War Song

Many in the harem were speculating about Salvador's health. Even though

Jeanette was pregnant, Sebastian's continued presence in the palace suggested the king needed more than rest and care.

Because of this, Salvador's clear favoritism was starting to unsettle some people.

Kylie, in particular, was uneasy. She knew some details about the king's condition, and though Sebastian was now in the palace, she wasn't sure how effective the treatment would be. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Salvador was nearing his limits.

Jeanette's pregnancy didn't concern her much. The baby's gender remained unknown, and even if it was a son, the queen knew it wouldn't change her own standing.

However, Salvador's obvious favoritism toward Cecil left Kylie feeling threatened.

When he offered her a choice previously, she had chosen to keep her position as queen for the sake of survival. But after some time, she realized that Salvador wouldn't give up on Connor so easily, especially given how diligently the eldest prince had been applying himself in his studies. She had even learned that the king was quite pleased with the boy's progress.

Caden and Cecil were threats in their own ways, but the queen didn't believe Salvador favored Caden as much. Over the past few months, she hadn't seen much of him. Word had it that the second prince had become somewhat lazy, no longer as driven as he once was.

Kylie always thought that Grace was insignificant, as she didn't have the kind of powerful family connections that could secure her future.

However, Sylvia was a different story. Her father was the Minister of Justice, a high-ranking official like Rafael. Whether in official or private matters, their interactions would likely be frequent. Plus, Sylvia's mother, Gladys, supported Carissa's interests by donating a significant amount of money to Skye Embroidery. So, it was possible they had already formed an alliance.noveldrama

"Your Majesty, Prince Rafael praised Prince Connor again today," Lydia said as she entered, her face beaming with excitement.

Kylie's expression remained unchanged as she asked, "Who did His Majesty summon for dinner tonight?"

Lydia's smile faltered for a moment. "The king summoned Prince Cecil for dinner."

Her patience finally snapping, the queen slammed her cup onto the table. "Prince Cecil again!"

"There's no need to worry too much, Your Majesty. Prince Cecil is still very young," said Lydia, trying to soothe her.

Kylie's gaze grew colder, her voice

laced with sharpness as she said, "Young now, yes, but he'll grow. Soon, it'll be winter, and then he'll

four. Lady Sylvia is truly pained

Instead of bearing her own son, she

raises an adopted one as if he were her own, lavishing all her attention on him and paving his way. She doesn't fear the consequences of raising an ungrateful child."

Kylie couldn't understand Sylvia's reasoning. At such a young age, why not compete for the king's favor and bear a son of her own? No matter how clever Cecil might be, he wasn't biologically hers. en

If Sylvia were pregnant, Kylie wouldn't have cared whether it was a boy or a girl. After all, with Salvadoron medication, there was no guarantee the child would be intelligent. Besides, an infant could never compete with older children.

"If things continue like this, I can't allow Prince Cecil to remain," Kylie murmured ominously.

Lydia froze for a moment, her hand still hovering over the broken shards she had been picking up. When she finally looked up, the queen's darkened gaze met hers.

"At least for now, Sylvia's life cannot be too peaceful. If the harem doesn't stir, how will I have a chance?" Kylie said, her voice low but resolute.

Lydia hastily gathered the pieces, her hesitation clear as she protested, "Your Majesty, with Prince Connor performing well, there's no need for any further action."

"He is performing well, but is still somewhat ordinary," the queen replied, her face clouded with lingering anxiety.

Now, Connor was smart and capable, but had no connection to Kylie. Worse still, he resented her, his own mother. She had to make him understand that all her efforts had been for him alone.

"The entire court is full of talented men. Even if Prince Connor doesn't understand politics and scheming, he will surely become a wise ruler one day," said Lydia, trying to ease the queen.

Kylie's brow furrowed in frustration. "What do you know? Is our position secure now?"

Seeing her anger, Lydia decided to hold back her comforting words, not wanting to provoke her further.