Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1429

Kylie timed her visit perfectly and made another trip to the study to personally retrieve Connor. Together, they returned to Serenity Palace to offer their greetings to Victoria.

The procession was grand, with a whole entourage following behind. Even Connor was carried back by a young chamberlain, only being set down once they reached the palace gates.

Kylie straightened her appearance and held Connor's hand firmly as they entered.

After performing the proper gestures to greet Victoria, Kylie remained on her knees and maintained perfect decorum throughout the entire time.

However, Victoria made no motion to let her rise. Instead, she turned her attention to Connor, gesturing for him to approach. "Did your tutor praise you today?"

Connor hesitated, shrinking back slightly. He cast a cautious glance at Victoria before answering in a timid voice, "The tutor forgot to praise me today."

Still kneeling, Kylie quickly interjected. "Mother, Mr. Young is strict and doesn't hand out compliments lightly."

Kylie had no idea that Victoria had made a deal with Trevor. If Connor behaved well and showed diligence that day, Trevor would offer some praise at the end of the lessons. Otherwise, there would be none.

This simple system allowed Victoria to immediately gauge Connor's behavior on the day.

Victoria ignored Kylie's explanation entirely. Her gaze remained on Connor as she asked evenly, "Do you remember the rules?"

Connor's face paled, and he quickly tried to defend himself. "Grandmother, it's because Mr. Young was unhappy that Mom came to see me. That's why he didn't praise me!"

"Oh? Then tell me," Victoria said with measured calm, "who should be punished for this—yourself or your mom?"

Without missing a beat, Connor pointed at Kylie. "Punish Mom! She loves copying books the most."

"Yes, of course," Kylie chimed in quickly, eager to shield him. "I'll do the copying. I don't mind. It's my failing for not teaching him properly. I deserve the punishment."

Victoria cast a cold glance at Kylie before turning to the nanny. "Take Connor inside for his meal, then send him to the study. He isn't to leave until his copying is done. If he doesn't finish by nine in the evening, he may stay the night in the study."

Connor's face fell immediately, and he turned pleading eyes to Victoria. "Grandmother, you promised we'd play hide and seek today!"

Victoria looked at his miserable, crestfallen face. It seemed like he was perpetually upset the moment he stepped into Serenity Palace.

It was only through strict supervision that he had managed to develop a semblance of discipline and focus in his studies. Yet the moment Kylie appeared, all that progress unraveled, and he reverted to his careless, lazy ways.

But if Grace wouldn't, did that mean Sylvia wouldn't either?

Victoria's tone turned even colder, cutting through Kylie's thoughts. "The position of Crown Prince isn't a shield. On the contrary, it's very fragile. He needs the ability and skill to hold onto it. If he can't, it will lead to his death."

The weight of Victoria's words struck Kylie like a physical blow. Her lips moved, but no sound came out.

Of course, Kylie had always known that the royal family's affairs were a constant battle—a perpetual struggle for power. Yet, she had clung to the belief that her son was different. After all, he was Salvador's eldest son from the queen, not a concubine.

Surely, that alone set Connor apart.

Finally, Kylie lowered herself fully to the floor. "It was my foolishness and shortsightedness, Mother. Please guide Connor and plan for his future. I won't interfere again, nor will I indulge him as I have."

Victoria looked at her, unimpressed. She had seen this cycle from Kylie too many times—momentary clarity followed by the same old habits. Kylie would only change when the consequences of her actions became too dire to ignore.

"Go back," Victoria said coldly. "And hear me clearly—without my express permission, you are not to disturb Connor's studies again."

Kylie looked up at Connor, whose eyes were filled with tears. Though her heart ached, she had to hold back her feelings. If Victoria sent Caden to Trevor, it would be like telling everyone that Caden was also a candidate for the throne, and people would naturally start picking sides.