Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“And yet what?” Rafael prompted.
Salvador let out a faint sigh. “His brilliance is unquestionable, his character flawless. And yet… There is something too perfect about him. He lacks the heart of a child. Every gesture, every word-it is as if he has been carefully molded, meticulously rehearsed.
“In my presence and in front of his grandmother, he is the picture of humility and obedience. But when Sophie passed by, he suddenly let slip hints of childish innoc And there are always eyes upon him. It’s not hard to guess what that implies.”
Rafael was already aware of this matter as Sophie had spoken of it. Caden had not hidden away in that spot merely because he liked sweets and was secretly eating them. No, he had placed himself there deliberately, ensuring that Sophie would see him and be moved to pity.
There were two possible motives behind his actions.
First, to win Sophie’s sympathy by making her believe Caden had been forced into precocious obedience, robbed of a child’s simple joys. Second, to praise Sophie as a hero on Grace’s behalf, a phrase meant to flatter her and draw her closer.
And both of these objectives rested on one crucial assumption: that Grace already suspected Salvador’s health was failing, and that the Hell Monarch’s household would hold sway in the matter of succession.
It was not a particularly intricate scheme, but it had been set into motion far too soon. Undoubtedly, they had been quietly courting other ministers as well.
Rafael considered this for a moment before asking, “What do you think of Lady Grace, Your Majesty?”
Salvador glanced at him. “You always manage to ask the right questions. That is precisely what I cannot understand. Grace has always been gentle and unassuming, never one to grasp or contend. Her family is far weaker than Kylie’s-the Quinton family wields far greater influence.
“Even knowing Caden’s potential, she shouldn’t have revealed it so openly. If she were truly as calculating as this suggests, she would also know that such maneuvering would only harm Caden in the long run.”
Rafael nodded. “That does seem to be the case.”
Salvador let out a wry laugh. “I had my men look into it. And do you know what they found? Caden enjoys spending time with Cecil. Nearly every day, he visits Sylvia’s palace.”
Rafael hesitated. “You think… Lady Sylvia is behind this?”
Salvador’s tone was measured but cold as he said, “Connor and Caden are at odds, just as Kylie and Grace are. And who stands to benefit from their conflict?” The answer was clear.
It would be the third prince, Cecil.
“Then, what do you plan to do now, Your Majesty?” Rafael asked.
“At first, I thought that if I only had three months left to live, I would name Connor as my heir, appoint you as regent, and select a council of ministers to assist in governance. Caden would be sent to the Southern Frontier, and the queen would be deposed. That way, the Quinton family’s influence could be weakened,” Salvador replied.
Rafael lowered his gaze. “I fear I am not fit to bear such a heavy burden.”
He knew that if he were named regent, there would inevitably be conditions attached. The most obvious one was that he would be required to remain childless. That way, even if he seized the throne, it would ultimately return to the right royal bloodline.
Salvador studied his brother for a long moment before sighing. “You see through everything. Yes, I had considered making you swear a solemn oath that you would never father children. I know it is selfish of me, but I have no other choice.”
Rafael understood the king’s reasoning. He could even sympathize.
But he wouldn’t agree.
Having children was not a decision he could make alone. Sophie had a right to choose whether to bear a child or not. As the one who stood beside her, Rafael had no right to promise something that was not his to decide, nor would he bind himself with an oath he could not keep.
As if fearing he had not made himself clear enough, Salvador continued, his voice measured but firm.
“You understand what this means, don’t you? For as long as you live, you will hold the power of the king. Even if you ascended the throne, no one could oppose you. That was my original plan-to ensure that though you would have no heirs, you would wield royal authority.”
Rafael met his gaze steadily. “That was your original plan. And now?”
Salvador’s eyes lingered on his brother’s face, but he couldn’t see any interest in the position of regent.
At last, the king said, “For now, we will see whether Healer Dalton’s treatment has any effect. But his presence in the palace will stir the court. Ministers will press me to name a crown prince, and both the harem and the court will soon be thrown into turmoil.”
What he left unsaid was clear. Even now, that same plan remained his best option.
Whether Salvador had three months or three years left, his sons were still too young. The kingdom would require a regent. Without one, the throne would be surrounded by wolves. Keeping it secure-keeping his heir alive-would be impossible.
One only had to look at the ambitions of Yuvan and Nicholas to know that the royal family had never lacked those with designs on the throne.
Rafael was silent for a long time before he finally said, “Your Majesty, have you considered that there may be no need for a regent at all? The queen dowager and the future king could rule together.”
Salvador let out a weary sigh. “You think I haven’t considered that? But Mom isn’t in good health; she can’t bear the burden of ruling. More importantly, a son will always lean toward his mother. Unless Kylie is dethroned in favor of a new queen, the future king will naturally favor his mom.
“When Mom first ascended to the throne, she distanced herself from her family to avoid the appearance of favoritism. Her relatives live in comfort, far removed from court et politics, and they’ve lost all their political power. Her family holds no real power, and without them as a counterbalance, the Quinton family will be impossible to contain. In this situation, the power might fall into others’ hands.”
If power was going to fall into someone else’s hands anyway, Salvador would rather hand it to Rafael. At least then, the throne would remain in the Sanford family’s grasp.
However, Rafael’s repeated refusals made Salvador feel more at ease. The king had always viewed everyone from the perspective of power, forgetting that his younger brother had never been interested in it. Rafael had always said he wanted to be a chivalrous hero, fighting for justice.
Sophie had accused Salvador of misunderstanding his brother, and now, memories from their youth stirred in his mind.
“You need not trouble yourself with such matters right now, Your Majesty. Focus on your health. There is still a chance for things to turn around,” said Rafael.
Salvador gave a tired nod, though his gaze lingered on Rafael for a beat longer before he suddenly asked, “You and Sophie have been married for some time now. Why hasn’t she conceived? Could it be that despite your impressive appearance, there’s something lacking in that area?”
He just had to bring up the most awkward topic.
Rafael straightened his back and replied loudly What are you saying, Your Majesty? Of course, there’s nothing wrong! Sophie has not conceived because I took a short-term infertility tonic prescribed by Sebastian. She has only just begun her official career-pregnancy would interfere with her future.”
Salvador let out a chuckle. “So, children are not a priority for you.”
Rafael shook his head. “This is not a matter of importance but of choice. The decision to bear children is Sophie’s She may choose never to have them, and that is her right. But I will ensure that if she ever does wish for a child, she will have one. That’s why I will not swear an oath of childlessness for the sake of the regency.”
Salvador stared at his brother for a long time, his expression unreadable.
Suddenly, he understood why Sophie’s love for Rafael was so unwavering. Perhaps it was because he gave her something that many men never could- respect.
Rafael noticed the weariness in Salvador’s expression, and with Derek having taken the reports back, he decided it was time to speak.
“Your Majesty, I have a matter to request your approval for.”
Salvador glanced up. “What is it?”
Rafael’s gaze was cool and distant. “I wish to visit Everspring Palace.”
At once, Salvador’s mind raced. He knew exactly what this was about. The consequences of this matter had almost cost Irvin his life.
Salvador didn’t want to deal with it but simply nodded. “Go, then.”