Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1057

Salvador's eyes were filled with guilt. "It is my fault, Mom."

"I could remind you of your bond with the Sinclair 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 Sinclair 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 Sinclair 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 Sinclair 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 Sinclair."

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 Barrett 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.

Kylie knew in her heart that she was spoiling her son, but she simply couldn't help herself. Connor's birth had given her enough confidence—she didn't need to fight for anything. His future as the crown prince was assured.