Chapter 1186

Malcolm stood frozen, his face burning, though no slap had been delivered. He realized his recklessness, his impulsive actions, had brought the matter of the Gracewood Women’s Academy students to the royal court. Salvador had told him to stay, and he remained unmoving until the court session ended.

Left alone in the king's private study, Malcolm was instructed to wait outside. The biting winter wind cut through him like a blade for four hours, during which he was not summoned. Anger predominated among the swirling emotions within him. He was the king's father-in-law; surely, even if his actions were misguided, Salvador shouldn't have left him to suffer in the cold.

By the end of those four hours, his body was nearly frozen stiff. Derek, noticing his distress, brought him a small warming stove, offering a slight relief from the icy grip of winter. Ian quickly entered the study, briefly spoke with the king, and then returned to Malcolm.

“Lord Quinton, what are you doing here?” Ian asked, surprised.

Shivering, Malcolm forced out, through clenched teeth, “Waiting to be summoned by His Majesty.”

Ian’s eyes widened. “His Majesty just ordered me to find you. He was wondering where you’d gone—he’s been waiting for you! Please go in at once. His Majesty is growing impatient.”

Malcolm managed a stiff nod of thanks before forcing his frozen limbs into motion and entering the study. He greeted Salvador and took his usual seat, but sensed the king's simmering anger. The four hours of waiting had been a quiet reprimand. However, Malcolm, upset by this seemingly trivial matter concerning Gracewood Women's Academy, couldn't accept it.

The room's warmth slowly revived his limbs, but before he fully recovered, Derek entered with steaming coffee and investigation results. Malcolm picked up the documents; upon reading them, his eyes widened in disbelief, and fury surged through him. Vera and Jocelyn had lied!

It began with Jocelyn’s claim that Thomas had proposed marriage, mocking him for being too old and preying on a younger woman. The rumor spread rapidly, with others joining the ridicule.

“Father, all the nobles and scholars in the capital are forming marital connections. Now, it seems they’ve set their sights on General Farrell. It seems I was right to entrust him with so many responsibilities. After all, even you hold him in high regard,” Salvador said, his voice cutting through Malcolm’s thoughts. His tone was calm, but a flicker of amusement was present.

A cold sweat broke out on Malcolm's back; his limbs trembled as he fell to his knees.

“Your Majesty, I knew nothing of this. I have never meddled in the marriages of the fourth branch of my family.”

Salvador chuckled softly. “When it comes to marriage, it's down to the parents' will and the matchmaker's words. As head of the Quinton family, how can you not be involved in your own kin's marriages? Hasn't this always been the case? I believe General Farrell is a fine match. A union between the families would open doors to scholarly and military paths for the Quintons, which I would find most pleasing.”

Malcolm's knees trembled. He knew the king's suspicious nature. How had the Quinton family become so reckless, without even realizing it? For years, he had prided himself on careful control of his family's actions, fearing even the smallest misstep that might give his enemies an advantage. Yet, this was not a simple slip; it made Salvador mistakenly believe the Quintons aimed to help Connor seize the throne and gain control over civil and military officials. To the king, it appeared the Quinton family, in alliance with the queen, was forcing Connor's appointment as crown prince.

At Everspring Palace, Kylie paced anxiously, awaiting news from her servants. Knowing Malcolm had been punished, left outside Salvador's study for four hours, she'd sent someone to investigate. The young chamberlain returned, bowing low.

“Your Majesty, rumors say Lord Quinton’s student submitted a formal complaint against Lady Carissa, the headmistress of Gracewood Women’s Academy. This displeased His Majesty.”

“Is that all?” Kylie asked, her voice tight with disbelief.

She knew Salvador disliked the academy, but remembered his past consideration of bringing Carissa into the palace, making this turn of events more plausible. Could it be that in Salvador's eyes, the academy itself was questionable, but not Carissa?

Chapter 1187

The young chamberlain continued, “Lord Quinton is still inside His Majesty’s study. When I left, he hadn't been dismissed, but His Majesty had someone bring him coffee.”

Kylie felt slight relief—coffee indicated Salvador didn't intend further punishment. Still, the academy had to be shut down. Gracewood Women’s Academy's recent troubles, including Jocelyn's expulsion, made it imperative to expose its corruption. Failure to do so would taint the Quinton name.

Her eyes narrowed coldly as a plan formed. It wasn't clever, but reliable and effective, always having worked before.

“Lydia, come here!” Kylie called, summoning her confidante.

Whispering instructions, Lydia listened carefully and nodded.

“I will go at once, Your Majesty.”

“Find the people, but do not act in haste,” Kylie cautioned. “We need to wait for the perfect moment.”