Kylie bristled at the continued reproach.
"And what good is saying all this now? What we need to do is figure out how to turn this around! Now, His Majesty won't let Connor into the woods. Today, Lady Grace's son outshone him completely—are you satisfied now? If you have a solution, say it! If all you're doing is offering empty words, then there's really no need for that."
Kylie's resentment toward her natal family was always present, always simmering just below the surface.
Marjorie continued speaking softly to Connor. "When His Majesty returns from the hunt and all the court officials are gathered, you should go to him. Acknowledge that you're not the most gifted and that you've been lazy in the past. But after this failure, you've come to understand where you went wrong.
"From now on, you'll change your attitude, learn diligently from Mr. Young and Prince Rafael, and never again disappoint your grandmother or your dad. You'll ask your dad and the court officials to keep watch over you and ensure you improve."
Kylie's eyes widened, her expression full of disbelief. "Are you mad? You want him to admit in front of His Majesty and all the court officials that he's not gifted and that he's been lazy? Do you want him to be even more embarrassed? Is that your goal—to humiliate him again?"
Marjorie replied calmly, "You can't hide the truth. Everyone can see what his abilities and talents are. The court officials have seen it all. It's better to face it honestly. Instead of hiding his flaws, it would be more impressive for him to acknowledge them openly, reflect on his mistakes, and make an effort to change. That will leave a better impression on them."
"No! Don't tell me how to raise my son!" Kylie snapped, her voice sharp. She waved her hand dismissively. "Leave, now!"
Marjorie hesitated, still wanting to say something more, but Kylie's cold tone cut her off.
"To borrow your earlier words—when I needed your help, you weren't there. Now, when I don't need your advice, you show up with your empty words—what's the point? I don't need it. Go."
Marjorie left quietly, her face clouded with disappointment.
Kylie slumped into a seat, her hand pressed to her forehead as she began to cry.
Seeing his mom weep, Connor's tears, which he had been holding back, began to flow freely. But this time, remembering his grandmother's advice, he stifled his sobs, unwilling to let another sound escape.
After a few moments of silent crying, Connor wiped his eyes and began to think, desperately trying to come up with a way to fix the situation.
For the time being, there was no good solution, but Kylie still had to go out and socialize. After all, she couldn't let everyone only remember Grace and Sylvia, forgetting that she, the queen, still existed.
Max had just finished his patrol when he heard that Connor had run into the forest alone. He immediately asked if anyone had gone with him. Hearing that only two young attendants had followed, he quickly mounted his horse and rode after the boy.
Today's hunt had opened the forest to everyone. While there were no dangerous beasts, running into wild dogs or boars could still be extremely dangerous.
As for the noblewomen and court officials' families present, most had no idea what had actually happened. They only knew that Connor had gone into the woods, returned in tears, and then run off again. To them, it seemed like nothing more than a child's tantrum.
Their concerns lay with the hunt—who would capture the most game?
Meanwhile, Sylvia, Grace, Penelope, and the other concubines seized the opportunity to catch up with their families, chatting about everyday matters. Although noblewomen could enter the palace to offer their greetings, having the whole family together like this was a rare and precious occasion.
Hannah brought up matters about the workshop to Sylvia.
While Sylvia wasn't particularly interested, she was happy to play her part in maintaining appearances. Hearing that Camila was an exceptional embroiderer, she ordered two summer dresses from Camila.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Her Graceful War Song
What happens to the other chapters, I've been waiting to read more of this story, the character's and the screening are fantastic, very intriguing story...
Next chapter please, what's happening...
Very captivating novel....
Both content and context are very intriguing, the writer style of pulling out characters in their unique ways are profound,I have recommended this book because it's very captivating...