Her Graceful War Song

Sebastian's treatments were indeed effective. In just half a month, Salvador's complexion had improved his face no longer carried that sickly, waxen pallor but instead held a faint flush of color. His strength had also returned significantly. If not for the occasional bouts of pain, he might have believed himself fully

recovered.

Sebastian wasn't present today, but the Royal Medical Department had sent several physicians. They claimed that since there were many people around, they needed to better guard against any unexpected incidents.

However, the real reason for Sebastian's absence was obvious-he didn't want the court officials and their families to realize just how much Salvador relied on him.

Connor and Caden, guided by guards from the Royal Guard, sat atop their horses. The two young boys each had a bow slung across their backs and looked remarkably serious, as if they truly belonged on the hunt.

On the other hand, Felix held Cecil in his arms atop the horse. Dressed in a thin red jacket, Cecil's cheeks flushed with excitement-he looked utterly charming.

At Salvador's command, a hundred horses galloped forward, their thundering hooves shaking the very earth. The young men charged into Everwood Park, sending flocks of startled birds into the sky.

Carissa felt uneasy and immediately urged her horse forward, following alongside Michael.

She had been to Everwood Park before, but only as a child. She had sat by the lakeside with the other noblewomen while Hector participated in the hunt.

This was her first time entering the forest itself.

Of course, a royal hunting ground held little true danger-no ferocious beasts were lurking within.

Though today's hunt was officially centered around Salvador, he intended for Connor and Caden to take the spotlight.

As soon as they entered the forest, Salvador reined in his horse and gestured for the two boys to take their turn.

In a clearing ahead, a cage held a few mountain rats—a test target for the young princes.

Connor was visibly nervous. He managed to pull his bowstring back, but as he released, the arrow slipped from his fingers and tumbled to the ground. He tried again and again, but the same thing happened. With each failed attempt, his panic grew. As he turned to see his dad and the gathered court officials watching him, his composure broke entirely.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he suddenly burst into loud sobs.

The change in Salvador's expression was instant. His face darkened, his disappointment visible to all.

During his final day of archery practice at the palace, Connor had at least been able to draw his bow and shoot. His shots lacked power, but after extra training from Rafael, he had at least managed to land arrows near the target, even if he hadn't hit the mark.

But today, the cage was placed so close that as long as he could shoot normally, he would at least strike somewhere nearby.

Yet he had let his nerves get the better of him. His lack of mental fortitude was clear. And instead of gritting his teeth and trying again, he had given up entirely after just two or three failures-breaking down in front of everyone.

Even if he hadn't hit the target, as long as he had shown determination, the court officials might have seen him in a different light.noveldrama

Now, he was nothing short of a joke.

Rafael couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had given Connor the same advice just yesterday: If the arrows didn't fly true, it wasn't a

problem. He was to keep goin net

even

if his arms ached, even if the arrows didn't hit their mark.

What mattered was for Connor to say, "I'll practice harder and next year, I'll be able to bring down the game."

That would show the confidence he needed, and that alone would be enough. But here he was, crying.

It also made Rafael appear unfit as the Deputy Royal Tutor.

Salvador didn't care that his son was in tears. He only nodded at Caden. "Shoot the mountain rat."

Caden took a deep breath, focused, and pulled his bow with all his might. When he released, the arrow flew swiftly, embedding itself in the mountain rat's body with a sharp thud.

The onlookers clapped, their admiration for Caden growing.

But with Connor still crying, the applause quickly died down. No one dared speak further.

The faces of the Quinton family were awkward, especially Malcolm's. He tilted his head and sighed softly.

"Take him back. He needn't come into the woods again," Salvador said coldly.

Connor was swiftly lifted off his horse by one of the Royal Guards. Overcome by shame and frustration, he sobbed uncontrollably, his cries echoing through the forest, reaching the lakeside.

Kylie was deep in conversation with

several noblewomen. When she heard the crying, she was startled Thinking something had happened, she jumped to her feet and ordered,

"Quick, go check on Co

Before Lydia or the young chamberlain beside her could do anything, they saw

the Royal Guard returning with Connor in tow.

Kylie hurried over, her heart leaping as she checked him over for injuries. When she found none, she let out a relieved breath. But seeing him sobbing pitifully, she turned to the Royal Guard.

"Weren't they supposed to be hunting? Why did you bring him back so soon? And

why is he crying?"

She assumed he had been forced to return.

The Royal Guard bowed and said, "His Majesty ordered me to bring Prince Connor back."

Kylie's face tightened at the news. "How could that be? He's the eldest prince! He must stay by His Majesty's side."

The Royal Guard lowered his head respectfully. "His Majesty said Prince Connor is not to return to the forest."