Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“If the queen can’t teach him properly, she should let my sister raise him. Letting him turn out this spoiled-how is he ever going to be fit to be the crown prince?” Helen snapped. Victoria glared at her but then smiled at Ryan, waving him over. “Ryan, come here, dear.”
Ryan obediently walked over. “Your Majesty.”
Victoria smiled warmly, her voice soft. “You did well just now. You were generous and forgave those who insulted you.” Her smile remained, radiating kindness.
“But remember, Ryan, you’re still a child. If someone insults you, you have every fight to respond in kind. Your grandfather and your father were both strong men. They were fierce warriors who gave their lives to protect Starhaven and all of its people. As long as you haven’t wronged anyone, no one has the right to bully you.”
Tears welled up in Ryan’s eyes. “Yes, Your Majesty, I understand.”
Victoria gently patted his hand, then stood. “Come now, stay with me in the palace today. When it’s time for the palace gates to close, I’ll have someone escort you back to the estate.”
Sophie understood Victoria’s intentions; she hesitated for a moment before saying softly, “Your Majesty, why don’t we have lunch and I’ll take him back afterward? His uncle is likely sending someone to fetch him.”
“No need,” Victoria replied with a raised hand, her tone slightly sharper now. “You may return. There’s no need to stay for lunch. The king is coming to dine with me.”
Salvador listened to Derek’s report, his face darkening with anger. “Wretched little fool!” he muttered.
“Your Majesty,” Derek continued, “the queen dowager has instructed Lady Helen, Prince Rafael, and Lady Sophie to leave the palace. She told them she wanted Lord Ryan to stay for lunch, and she will send him out when the palace gates close.” “Go to the kitchen yourself. Have them prepare some of Her Majesty’s favorite dishes. I will join her for the meal,” Salvador said.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then go to Everspring Palace and deliver my command. Have Blake take Connor to kneel in the royal chapel. Blake is to recount every battle the Devin family has fought. I will interrogate him on the details.”
Derek thought this was an excellent idea, particularly the bit about sending Blake to handle it.
After Derek withdrew, Salvador stared at the stack of reports before him, his mind drifting.
In recent years, the calls to appoint the crown prince have grown louder. Throughout history, the competition for the title of crown prince has always been fierce, involving the royal family, the palace, noble families, and various other factions.
But in this era, there was no real debate. The selection of the heir was based on birth order and legitimacy. Since Connor was both the eldest son and the legitimate son, his position was unmatched by any other princes. Therefore, there was no doubt that he would be appointed as the crown prince.
Kylie and her family tried several times to test the waters, but Salvador still couldn’t make up his mind. The only reason was that, in terms of both ability and temperament, Connor was not suited to be the crown prince. Salvador had a thousand worries about handing the kingdom over to him.
Fortunately, Connor was still young, and the matter of appointing the crown prince could be delayed. However, as a king, Salvador’s thoughts reached beyond the present, looking toward the future. Though he had a legitimate eldest son, the boy was not suited for the role. It left Salvador feeling disheartened.
At lunch, the table was set with exquisite dishes. However, Victoria had specifically instructed that no one wait on her. She sent everyone out, leaving them to stand by the door. Since no one was serving Victoria, Salvador didn’t dare to eat either and stood beside her to serve her food.
Ryan also considered standing, but Victoria gently pressed him back into his seat. She personally picked up some food for him, speaking in a soft, comforting tone to ease his nerves.
“Mom, this is your favorite. Eat a bit more,” Salvador said quietly.
Victoria remained silent. Whatever dish Salvador placed before her, she ate without protest. Yet, her appetite seemed subdued. She barely touched her food, instead focusing on encouraging Ryan to eat.
Ryan felt nervous inside, but he didn’t show it. His hands held the cutlery steady, without the slightest tremor. He thanked her politely and ate slowly, his manners impeccable.
Even Salvador couldn’t help but admire Ryan’s composure. The boy was remarkably steady for his age.
Once the meal concluded, Victoria’s mood had noticeably improved. She called for a few young servants to take Ryan outside to play, leaving Salvador alone in the hall with her. Victoria’s expression remained warm as she spoke.
“Do you think Ryan is promising?”
Salvador nodded, his approval clear. “He’s promising and well-behaved.”
“I remember you and the second son of the Devin family had been very close,” Victoria said.
Mentioning old friends brought a slight ache to Salvador’s heart. “Yes, we were of similar age. He spent a year as my study partner in the palace, and we fought side by
.n de on the battlefield. I would call him a brother.”
“He was your brother, your comrade, and your subject. The Devin family’s contributions to Starhaven are beyond measure. You know this better than anyone. Now, Ryan is the only one left of the Duke of
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Northwatch’s family to carry on their name.
“As his honorary uncle, you must protect him from anyone who dares to bully him, especially your son. Connor’s words were unforgivable Don’t be too quick to blame the queer If you’re to assign blame, you should start with yourself. You’ve failed to teach Connor what the
Devin family means to Starhaven.”
Victoria took a slow sip of coffee, her eyes sweeping over his face. When she saw a trace of guilt, she continued.
“Since your ascension to the throne, I’ve refrained from interfering in your decisions. I know all your decisions are carefully considered and weighed, and often, you have no choice.
“But when it comes to Ryan, that is different. I not only ask that you do not allow anyone to harm him-I demand that you protect him.”
Salvador’s eyes were filled with guilt. “It is my fault, Mom.”
“I could remind you of your bond with the Devin family, speak of the past, and ask you to forget your position as king and treat Ryan as an elder would,” Victoria continued, “but I will not do so. If you need to be reminded of a relationship to remember it, then that bond was never genuine in the first place. So, I will be direct with you: You must treat him well. No one is allowed to bully him.”
Her words stirred many memories within Salvador.
It was as if he had just remembered that he too once had had close friends. When he formed his alliance with the Devin family, he didn’t act with ulterior motives-his friendship with them had been sincere.
When Hector and his sons died on the battlefield for the kingdom, Salvador had recently ascended the throne. His mind had been consumed with securing his position, gaining the loyalty of his subjects, and building achievements.
He valued the success of reclaiming the Southern Frontier, and when he first learned of the Devin family’s deaths, he didn’t immediately mourn. Instead, he was consumed with worry. He sent his younger brother to the Southern Frontier, always waiting for news of success.
In the midst of waiting, he had inadvertently pushed aside the grief over the Devin family’s men’s sacrifice. By the time the great victory came, all he felt was happiness.
Now, Victoria’s words brought it all back to him. He lingered in those memories, the weight of guilt and sorrow slowly creeping into his heart. As he stood, his eyes were brimming with tears. He bowed deeply, his voice thick with emotion.
“I swear this will never happen again, Mom. As long as I live, no one will dare to harm Ryan Devin.”
Victoria finally allowed a smile to touch her lips. “I believe you, my son. Your word is as good as law.”
Later that day, Salvador personally arranged for Ryan to be sent out of the palace, providing him with two carts of rewards as well.
Once Ryan had left, Salvador made his way to Everspring Palace.
Inside, Kylie was kneeling, her face filled with worry. She had been deeply frightened when Blake arrived to take Connor to the royal chapel earlier.
Kylie had been angry when Rafael disciplined Connor, but with the queen dowager present, she dared not show any emotion. After bringing Connor back to Everspring Palace, Kylie couldn’t bear to scold him. Instead, she had to calm him down, reassuring him until he was settled.