Her Graceful War Song

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 of crown prince. His mother had instilled that belief in him from an early age, urging him to see his brother as a rival.

Grace had always emphasized how vital the title was. And in truth, Connor had been insufferable in the past. Caden had once thought that if his brother were to inherit the title, he would become even more unbearable.

It was not that Caden had no ambition for the position, but life had been so pleasant as of late. The struggle for the title seemed far less important than it once had.

Grace observed her son in silence as he ate. She knew him well. He was intelligent, exceptionally gifted, and if properly nurtured-destined for greatness.

Yet, for all his intellect, he was still a child. He didn't yet grasp the full scope of power, and his heart was too easily swayed by fleeting joys. And though he was more thoughtful than most children his age, he was not cruel by nature. If asked to harm another, he would likely hesitate.

But Victoria remained ever watchful and left Grace no opening for any other plan. There was but one path left-Caden had to act of his own accord.

No one would suspect a child. And given how well the brothers seemed to be getting along recently, it would appear all the more unlikely.

As Caden continued eating, he suddenly set down his utensils. "Mr. Young has given each of us a list of middle names, in preparation for our coming-of-age ceremonies. I have chosen Asher as mine. What do you think, Mom?"

Grace's smile stiffened ever so slightly. "Weren't there any other choices?"

"I like this one. Mr. Young said the name means harmony and benevolence, that I should cultivate a serene mind and act with kindness," Caden replied.

Grace didn't directly answer and merely urged, "Finish your supper quickly. Once you have eaten, I shall take you somewhere."

A lingering unease gnawed at Caden, making it impossible to eat another bite. "I'm full," he said at last.

Grace rose to her feet and took his hand. "Very well, then. Let us go."

The dimly lit storeroom was thick with the stench of blood and damp wood. A chamberlain from Everspring Palace hung suspended by his arms, his toes barely grazing the ground. His robes were stained with blood, and his voice was hoarse from pleading for mercy

"I was only following orders! I beg you, Lady Grace, have mercy!"

The one conducting the interrogation was Stefan Harper, the head chamberlain of Iridescent Palace. He gripped a whip soaked in brine and struck another brutal lash.

"Speak! What orders did the queen give you? Were you asked to harm Prince Caden?"

A strangled cry tore from the prisoner's throat.

Finally, he said, "I... I will speak...

Queen Kylie and Prince Connor

ordered me to place a spiked caltrop beneath Prince Caden's saddle.

before the competition to

Once he mounted, the three sharp points would pierce the horse's flesh and send it into a frenzy. In the chaos, Prince Caden would be thrown, and the horses behind him would trample him to death."

"What does this caltrop look like?" Stefan demanded.

"I... I have it here-wrapped in cloth in my pocket. Please, no more! I know I was wrong! Lady Grace, have mercy!"

"Does Prince Connor know of this plan?"

"Yes! This caltrop belongs to Prince Cecil. Prince Connor took it from him—"

The prisoner's screams were abruptly muffled as Stefan forced a rag into his

mouth. Only the desperate whimpers of a broken man remained.

Caden stood frozen outside the window, his face drained of color.

He had seen the caltrop before. It really belonged to Cecil.

During their training under Rafael, they had studied various weapons and hidden devices, including iron caltrops.

Rafael had explained how these cruel implements were used in

battle-scattered en masse ne

the ground to hinder pursuing forces. Any man or beast that stepped upon them would suffer deep, grievous wounds. Removing the embedded spikes was agonizing, and the injury was often fatal if left untreated.

Cecil had once stolen one to play with, but it had disappeared after only a few

days. Also, Rafael had punished him for it.noveldrama