Chapter 1060
Before today, Carissa had paid little attention to the question of succession. First, Salvador was young; it seemed unlikely he would appoint a crown prince so soon. Second, the royal family already had a legitimate eldest son—a rarity. Even in noble families, a legitimate son born after a concubine's child wasn't uncommon. The king's harem held many women, and a lesser concubine could easily bear the first son.
Many noble families customarily prevented concubines from bearing children before the primary wife's arrival, sometimes using medicine to prevent conception. Accidental pregnancies were often terminated medically. However, the royal family differed; any child born to a concubine, regardless of gender, was considered royal blood.
One of Salvador's concubines, Penelope, had conceived before Kylie, causing Kylie anxiety. She feared Penelope might bear the eldest prince. Penelope ultimately bore a princess, relieving Kylie.
Carissa had heard these stories from her mother but hadn't considered them seriously. She assumed Connor, as the king's legitimate eldest son, would receive proper training. She hadn't anticipated his character. Kylie's actions were also puzzling. A celebrated talent in the capital, accomplished in art and poetry, and learned in the classics, how could she not understand the harm of indulging a child, especially the future crown prince?
"Don't think about these things. It's upsetting," Rafael said, gently massaging her brow. His handsome face, softened by the dim light, appeared even more serene. "Appointing the crown prince is His Majesty's responsibility. We cannot interfere. We can only watch and wait. While Mother avoids politics, she will undoubtedly discuss this with His Majesty."
Carissa nodded, agreeing. It was beyond her influence, and Rafael's interference would be unwise, inviting Salvador's suspicion. Given Salvador's wariness, remaining uninvolved was best; it prevented problems and protected them from vulnerability. Maintaining boundaries was essential; they were brothers in a royal family, and harmony between ruler and subject was paramount.
As night fell in Fawnrun City, the moon hung like a silver plate. Lisandra sat in Warhawk Keep's courtyard, the tension slowly receding. She felt utterly drained, barely able to speak. Fortunately, her headache hadn't returned; otherwise, she feared she wouldn't have endured, and the battle would have begun.
"Your Highness, the wind is strong. You should rest," Aria said, draping a cloak around her. Her gaze fell on Lisandra's pale face, filling her with pity.
Lisandra tightened the cloak. "How is Aurora?"
"She's imprisoned, near death. We severed her tendons, but she stubbornly clings to life, hoping for rescue."
Lisandra raised an eyebrow. "Hoping for rescue? Did she say that?"
Aria nodded. "Delirious, she muttered, 'Since you took my money, you have to save me. Don't let me down.'"
A cold glint flashed in Lisandra's eyes. "She won't get that chance. Send her to Grapevine and Melondrop Villages tomorrow; let the people exact their vengeance. Keep close watch. When she dies, take her head to Westhaven for the ritual sacrifice."
"Understood!" Aria's voice was grim. "She has no right to live. Her presence insults Fawnrun City."
Lisandra's gaze hardened. "Tell the army. Anyone who wants to witness it can come. Their anger has built too long; only Aurora's blood will quell their resentment." She paused, her voice colder. "Take Penny. Doesn't she want to avenge Arthur? Let her witness it."
Aria nodded sharply. "Yes, Your Highness."
As they spoke, Yuna helped Lisandra inside, guiding her to bed and gently massaging her scalp. "It's nothing; it hasn't flared," Lisandra murmured, eyes half-closed. Despite her weariness, she couldn't rest; battles awaited upon her return to the capital.