Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1186

Malcolm stood frozen in place, his face burning with a sharp sting, though no slap had been delivered. It was only then that he realized his recklessness—his impulsive actions had brought the matter of the students at Gracewood Women's Academy all the way to the royal court.

With Salvador telling him to stay behind, he stood there, unmoving, until the court session ended.

Left alone in the king's private study, Malcolm was instructed to wait outside. The biting cold of the winter wind cut through him like a blade as he stood there for four full hours, not once being summoned in.

A swirl of emotions churned inside him, but the most prominent was anger. He was the king's father-in-law. Surely, even if his actions were misguided, Salvador should not have left him to suffer in the cold.

By the end of the four hours, his body was nearly frozen, stiff from the cold. Derek, noticing his distress, brought him a small warming stove. The faint warmth provided a small relief from the icy grip of winter.

Ian quickly entered the study, and after a brief exchange with the king, returned to stand before Malcolm.

"Lord Quinton, what are you doing here?" Ian asked, surprised.

Shivering, Malcolm forced out through clenched teeth, "Waiting to be summoned by His Majesty."

Ian's eyes widened. "His Majesty just ordered me to find you. He was wondering where you'd gone—he's been waiting for you! Please go in at once. His Majesty is growing impatient."

Malcolm barely managed a stiff nod of thanks before forcing his frozen limbs into motion and entering the study.

He greeted Salvador and took a seat like he usually did. However, he could sense the king's anger simmering beneath the surface. The four hours of waiting had been nothing more than a quiet reprimand. However, as it was regarding something trivial like Gracewood Women's Academy, Malcolm was upset and couldn't accept it.

The warmth of the room slowly returned feeling to his limbs, but before he could fully recover, Derek entered with a steaming cup of coffee and a set of investigation results.

Malcolm curiously picked up the documents. After reading them, his eyes widened in disbelief and his heart surged with fury.

Vera and Jocelyn had lied to him!

It all began with Jocelyn's claim that Thomas had asked to marry her. She had mocked him for being too old and trying to prey on a younger woman. The rumor had spread like wildfire, with the other students joining in the ridicule.

"Father, all the nobles and scholars in the capital are forming connections through marriage. Now, it seems like they've set their sights on General Farrell. It seemed that I was right to entrust him with so many responsibilities. After all, even you hold him in high regard," said Salvador, his voice breaking through Malcolm's thoughts.

His tone was calm, but there was a flicker of amusement as the king spoke.

Malcolm felt a cold sweat break out across his back, his limbs trembling as he fell to his knees.

"Your Majesty, I had no knowledge of this. I have never meddled in the marriages of the fourth branch of my family."