Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1308

Outside the hall, Derek was drenched in cold sweat, his legs trembling. Even when Carissa 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 Carissa passed.

Carissa 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 Sinclair."

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 Derek 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 Carissa 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 Carissa 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.

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.