Her Graceful War Song

The caltrop was placed into Caden's trembling hands. Examining it carefully, he realized there was no mistake-it was the very one Cecil had once played with.

"As they have treated you, so must you treat them in return," Grace whispered in his ear, sending a shudder down his spine.

In a panic, Caden flung the caltrop away.

Grace retrieved it herself, then took her son's small, icy hand in hers and led him away.

"The fact that I no longer hold authority in the harem has emboldened Queen Kylie," she said. "She believes she may act against you without consequences. But she is mistaken. I still have people loyal to me placed everywhere. The moment I uncovered their treachery, I had them brought here for questioning. You saw it with your own eyes, and you know the man-he is from Everspring Palace."

Caden's mind was in turmoil, torn between fear and distress.

Kylie wished him dead. But did his elder brother wish that as well? Had all their kindness merely been an elaborate pretense?

Caden returned to his chambers, dazed, barely registering his mother's soft- spoken words.

"Tomorrow, you shall do as follows..."

When she finished speaking, Caden was shaking uncontrollably.

"If you do not act, it is you who will die," Grace added, her voice sharpening.

A sob tore from Caden. Once more, he hurled the caltrop away and threw himself into his mother's embrace.

"Mom, I don't want to die, but I don't want to harm my brother either. I am so afraid."noveldrama

Grace stroked his back in soothing motions. "My dear child, I know you have a kind heart. But kindness does not mean you must stand idly by while others seek to destroy you. To refrain from harming others does not mean you cannot protect yourself."

As Caden cried, he asked, "Can I not do as I did before-win over Uncle Rafael and Aunt Carissa? If they stand by me, won't they keep me safe?"

"It is of no use," Grace replied gently, adjusting her approach. "They all know that your elder brother will soon be made crown prince. Their allegiance lies with him."

She paused before continuing in a softer, coaxing tone, saying, "Besides, I do not mean for your brother to die. Once he is thrown from his horse, the royal physicians will tend to him. He will live, with only his legs being ruined. Without the ability to stand, he cannot be the crown prince."

She carded her fingers through her son's hair. "When that happens, he will no longer be a threat to you, nor will he ever be in a position to harm you again. If you still hold brotherly affection for him, then so be it. You may grant him a life of wealth and comfort."

"Really?" Caden asked, lifting his tear-filled eyes to his mother.

Grace's gaze was filled with pity. "Of course, my dear. I am not a cruel woman. Taking a life should always be avoided if possible. Our only aim is to ensure they can no longer harm us."

For the better part of an hour, she coaxed and reassured him. At last, Caden took the caltrop into his trembling hands and hesitantly nodded.

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As it was meant for the battlefield, the caltrop was a small thing-no larger than a coin. Four wickedly sharp pointed edges jutted out precise angles. When placed beneath a saddle, it would cause discomfort to the horse. But without a rider's weight pressing down on it, it would not pierce the animal's flesh.

Even so, Caden remained restless. He clutched the caltrop as he lay in bed, unease written across his face It was only after drinking a cup of warm milk that he finally drifted to sleep Grace listened to the soft, steady rhythm of his breathing before exhaling slowly herself.

She cast a glance at Lyra, then rose and left with her. Seated in the quiet of her own chambers, Grace removed her hairpins, her expression composed and

serene.

Her voice carried the same tranquility as she said, "In the end, the blame lies with the queen dowager. Had she not arranged matters so meticulously, he wouldn't have needed to act himself. The poor child was trembling the entire time."

"Once His Highness becomes the crown prince and comes to know the taste of power, he will not regret it," Lyra remarked.

Grace hummed in agreement, the faintest smile gracing her lips. "Indeed. And we must give our thanks to Queen Kylie. If not for her turning on Lady Sylvia after their plot to harm Lady Jeanette's child unraveled, I wouldn't have dared to act so boldly."

Lyra chuckled. "Yes, once the deed is done, all will assume Lady Sylvia was responsible. After all, the caltrop belonged to Prince Cecil."

"You're certain no one saw you retrieve it?" Grace asked with a note of caution in her tone, meeting Lyra's gaze through the reflection of the mirror.

"I am certain," Lyra assured her. "It had been discarded in the underbrush. When I picked it up, not a soul was present."

Grace's shoulders relaxed, and then

she rolled her neck, easing the stiffness. At long last, the day hasz come. Soon, this will all be over shall retire early tonight. Tomorrow will be quite the spectacle. Ob, and see that the matter in the woodshed is dealt with properly. Notraces must remain.

"Rest assured, Your Grace. He will be silenced, and the body disposed of."

Grace inclined her head. "Send the money I promised him to his family. He may not live to enjoy it, but his kin shall. Those who serve me faithfully are never left wanting. That said, take care they never learn where it came from."

"You need not worry, Your Grace. It is far from the first time I've done this," Lyra replied.