Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1223

After dismissing Kylie, Victoria summoned a messenger to deliver a royal edict to Carissa. The edict stated that she alone could decide the direction of the Gracewood Women's Academy and that the opinions of others were not to be heeded.

Once the edict was sent, Victoria dispatched another messenger to inform Salvador that he was to join her for the evening meal.

Keith poured her a fresh cup of coffee, placing it before her with care. "Your Majesty, please don't let this trouble you. It's not worth it. If the queen doesn't understand, you can always teach her."

"Teach her? Have I not spent years trying? Which of my words has she ever heeded? Why waste my breath on her now?" Victoria rubbed her temples, her tone weary. "She even had the audacity to make things difficult for Lady Ruth. Does she wish to hand Prince Yuvan an excuse to raise a fuss publicly?"

Yuvan had returned to Valken, his body crippled and his heart undoubtedly hardened. If Ruth were to die in misery, it would give him the perfect opportunity to stir the citizens of Valken, fanning the flames of unrest.

Kylie would have indeed given him a hand at such a great time.

If this continued, perhaps it was time to consider replacing the queen.

-

Meanwhile, Salvador was in the royal study. He had just been informed that someone from Serenity Palace had arrived, informing him that Victoria had summoned him to dine with her that evening.

Salvador felt a chill crawl up his spine. A summons to dine was rarely just about the meal—it often meant he was the "main course".

With no other options, he called for Derek to investigate. "Go and see if someone has provoked my mom. Find out what's happened."

Derek, well-versed in these situations, quickly sought out Keith for answers. It didn't take long for him to piece the story together.

This routine was one Derek and Salvador had gone through many times before. Each time Victoria summoned Salvador for a meal, the latter would make inquiries to prepare himself.

When Derek returned, he relayed the details. "Your Majesty, there seem to be two matters at hand. First, the queen brought a complaint about the Gracewood Women's Academy. Second, the queen dowager is displeased with how Lady Ruth's illness has been handled. She reprimanded the queen earlier, but it seems her anger hasn't subsided."

As Derek recounted the events, Salvador's hand began to tremble with rage. "I punished her with confinement, and she still doesn't see her fault? She's never once involved herself in the affairs of the women's academy or the workshop. But now, she eagerly takes the lead to complain, using me as her shield? How very clever of her."

"Your Majesty, please calm yourself. The queen likely acted out of a moment of confusion," Derek offered cautiously.

"A moment of confusion?" Salvador scoffed, his voice rising. "How many years has she been confused? As the queen, instead of fostering harmony among the women in the harem, she sows discord wherever she goes. Does she truly think I am blind to her meddling? Those young women leaving the academy—does she think I don't know it was her doing?