Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Still, the fact that she had not been punished for her audacity in speaking out was, perhaps, a small comfort.
Outside the hall, Derek was drenched in cold sweat, his legs trembling. Even when Sophie emerged, he felt his heart still hanging in the air, uncertain and uneasy.
Salvador had not exploded in anger as Derek had expected-that, in itself, was a shock.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Derek bowed respectfully as Sophie passed.
Sophie spoke quietly, just loud enough for the two of them to hear. “Don’t worry, Mr. Walker.”
Derek felt a pang in his chest. “Take care, Commander Devin.”
Once she was gone, Derek returned to the hall to attend to the king. He couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Salvador. To his astonishment, Salvador’s face seemed to hold a note of happiness-something ?erek had never anticipated.
Earlier, when he had sent Connor off to Serenity Palace, Salvador had spoken of the Hell Monarch’s journey to the Southern Frontier as if it were all part of a grand scheme. So why was he suddenly in a good mood now?
Truly, the mind of a king was difficult to read.
Salvador noticed Derek’s gaze and said, “Bring in the meal!”
Since hearing of Oliver’s desertion, Salvador hadn’t eaten a single bite. Derek instructed the servants to bring food and replaced Salvador’s drink with a fresh cup.
Salvador’s mouth felt dry and bitter, but after taking a sip, he felt a bit better.
“Still puzzled?” Salvador asked lightly, his mood visibly brighter.
Seeing his smile, Derek couldn’t help but mirror it. “I don’t need to understand, Your Majesty. If you are pleased, then I am too.”
Salvador’s lips curled up in a small smile. “I am indeed pleased. If what Sophie said today reflects my brother’s true thoughts, it reassures me. On the other hand, if my brother has been hiding everything from her and they lack unity as a couple, then Sophie can still be useful to me.”
Derek laughed along. “Your Majesty speaks wisely.”
“I remember when my brother and I had no grudges between us. Those were happy days.”
He placed his fist to his mouth, coughing a few times.
Raising his cup once more, he drank, but the tickle in his throat caught him off guard. He choked, unable to swallow properly. The coughing fit intensified, leaving him violently vomiting into his lap.
He had barely eaten anything lately, and now the vomiting didn’t produce much-only a bit of yellow bile mixed with a trace of blood.
Derek’s face changed instantly. He immediately ordered the royal physician to be called.
When Robert arrived, he examined Salvador quickly. He explained that the coughing was caused by excessive heat in Salvador’s liver and lungs. The severe coughing had strained the throat, leading to a trace of blood.
On top of that, Salvador hadn’t slept all night or eaten, so naturally, his health had weakened a bit.
Derek let out a quiet sigh of relief. At least now, he knew it wasn’t anything worse.
If only Salvador could calm his mind for just a moment, his health would improve significantly. He really overthought too much.
Meanwhile, Kylie had been waiting anxiously ever since Connor was taken away. Her heart was full of both anticipation and worry. She didn’t dare send anyone to inquire too hastily, for fear Salvador would notice. It would only cause trouble.
Hours passed, and no word came back. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
But then she reminded herself since such a major matter was underway, it was only natural that Salvador would need to meet with the officials or consult the Royal Astronomers, following the proper procedures to let the court know that Connor was destined by fate.
But when even the midday meal arrived and there was still no news, her patience finally wore thin. She sent someone out of the palace to inquire and soon learned that Salvador had sent Connor to be raised at Serenity Palace.
Kylie’s face drained of color. “Why would he do this? Lydia, what happened? What made His Majesty so angry?”
Lydia was equally worried and responded, “I heard that His Majesty asked Prince Connor to recite the Thousand Verses. Connor only managed the first line, and then he just babbled. When His Majesty heard this, he flew into a rage and threw an inkpot. Thankfully, Mr. Walker stepped in and blocked it, and Prince Conner wasn’t hurt.”
Kylie collapsed into a chair, her face pale as she muttered to herself, “What was the point of testing him now? Of all times, why the Thousand Verses? Is that really what’s important?”
“Perhaps I should go to Serenity Palace and check on Prince Connor. He’s not used to that place. If he offends the queen dowager, it could make things worse,” Lydia hurriedly suggested.
“Go quickly!” Kylie urged, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Lydia wasn’t able to see Connor herself. Instead, she heard from the servants of Serenity Palace that Connor was busy copying the Thousand Verses. Victoria had forbidden anyone from interrupting him. Lydia knew well that Connor had always despised writing, so how could he quietly obey such an order? News from Serenity Palace was hard to come by, and no amount of bribery would help there were strict rules in place. Lydia had no choice but to persist, and after much effort, she finally got a vague answer: Victoria had commanded that Connor would eat only once he finished his copying for the day. Lydia was taken aback. “Prince Connor hasn’t eaten since entering Serenity Palace?”
He had left for Goldleaf Palace at first light and hadn’t had breakfast. It was now well past noon, yet no food was in sight?
But no one answered her. After standing outside for a long time, Lydia had no choice but to return to Everspring Palace to report.
Upon hearing that Connor hadn’t even been fed in Serenity Palace, Kylie’s heart tightened with pain. She clenched her fists in anger.
“That’s her grandson! How could she be so heartless? This will not do! I’m going to Serenity Palace to bring him back. When has he ever had to endure such hardship?”
Lydia quickly stopped her. “Your Majesty, you’re still under house arrest. You cannot go. If you anger His Majesty again, who knows how long the house arrest will last?”
Tears sprang to Kylie’s eyes as she glared at Lydia. “Do you expect me to just stand by and watch my son suffer?”
“As you said, Prince Connor is still the queen dowager’s grandson. If he’s truly hungry, she will not allow him to suffer. I believe the queen dowager hopes he will become more diligent. Perhaps under her guidance, Prince Connor will change for the better,” Lydia replied.
Seeing Kylie’s expression soften a little, Lydia continued, “Your Majesty, do not worry too much. His Majesty has entrusted Prince Connor to the queen dowager’s care, which means His Majesty still holds him in favor.
“If Prince Connor suffers a little now, the rewards in the future will be immeasurable. Not only should you refrain from resentment, but you must also express gratitude and respect toward the queen dowager.” Kylie wiped her tears and paused to think carefully. After a moment, she realized that Lydia’s words had some merit.
A little hardship now would be worth it in the long run. What mattered most was securing Connor’s future position early on, so that she wouldn’t have to worry about his future prospects later.
Her family had fallen from grace. Her parents were no help, and her grandfather had stirred up too much trouble-she couldn’t rely on them any longer.
She gritted her teeth and said, “Go once more, and thank the queen dowager on my behalf.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll go immediately.” Lydia gave a quick nod before leaving again.
However, when Lydia returned, she brought with her news that left Kylie stunned.
“What did you say? The Hell Monarch has requested permission to go to the Southern Frontier? Didn’t he have a heart ailment?” Kylie asked in disbelief.
Lydia nodded. “It seems he’s been recuperating at Meadow Ridge. When he heard about Mr. Prince’s desertion, he sent a letter by carrier pigeon to Lady Sophie, asking her to request a royal edict. His Majesty has granted it.’
Kylie sat in a daze, her mind reeling. “So that means, His Majesty won’t lead the campaign in person?” “It seems that way,” Lydia replied, letting out a small sigh of relief. “This way, His Majesty doesn’t have to risk his life.”