Chapter 1224  +25 BONUS  Salvador leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp with barely contained anger.  “Did I ever tell you that I wanted to shut down Gracewood Women’s Academy? The academy was Mom’s idea–it was meant to unite the noble families‘ women and be beneficial to me! Why would I want to shut it down?”  Kylie looked at him, bewildered. “But haven’t you always been displeased with Carissa’s growing closeness to the noble families?”  Salvador’s eyes narrowed as he stared at her, his words cutting and deliberate. “Are you saying you have no ability to replace Carissa?”  Kylie froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Your Majesty, are you suggesting that I lower myself to attend the academy? Or that I should curry favor with those noblewomen?”  She was the queen of Starhaven. How could she possibly step into such a role? And those noblewomen–why should she, as the queen, have to win them over? Shouldn’t they be the ones trying to win her favor?  Wasn’t this a complete reversal of proper order?  Salvador’s tone turned colder.  “The power  power of the throne may appear untouchable, but it can never truly be so. If the foundation below us collapses, we’ll crash to the ground and shatter to pieces.  “I am the king, yet even I must occasionally yield–closing one eye to certain matters, offering gifts, or showing favor. This helps them willingly bend their backs and become the steps beneath my feet. What makes you think everyone should bow to you unconditionally? Simply because you’re the queen?”  Kylie was stunned into silence, unable to muster a response.  “You’re not truly ignorant of this. You simply refuse to consider what’s best for me.  Otherwise, you wouldn’t have tried to marry your cousin to Thomas to draw military power to Connor’s side,” Salvador added.  Kylie’s expression shifted, and she quickly protested, “Your Majesty, that was never my intention! I only thought General Farrell was a man of integrity and a good match for my cousin, which is why I suggested her to him.”  “Do you even believe yourself?” Salvador asked with a cold laugh.  Kylie insisted, “I truly meant it. If you don’t trust me, then there’s nothing I can say to change that, Your Majesty.”  Salvador’s brows furrowed, clearly frustrated. “Sometimes, speaking with you is so exhausting. You seem to understand what I say and yet, at the same time, completely miss the point. You’re always trying to read my thoughts, but when it truly matters, you get everything  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1224  wrong-  ”  Kylie bit her lip, tears brimming in her eyes. “I am foolish and dull. Would it not be easier for you to simply tell me directly, rather than leaving me to guess?”  Salvador looked at her, a mix of frustration and disdain flashing in his eyes. As queen, she ought to carry herself with dignity, yet she wept like some petty concubine. His anger deepened.  “Haven’t I been direct with you many times over the years? Which of my words have you listened to? Which of my commands have you followed? Every time you act, you make mistakes. It would be better if you did nothing at all–focus on managing the harem and raising our children. Matters beyond the palace are beyond your capabilities, so stay out of them.”  Kylie could see the weariness and distaste in his expression, and her heart ached. “If you wish. for me to win over the  lewomen or visit the academy to make an appearance, I can do that. Tomorrow, I will summon them to the palace and have them send their daughters back to the academy.”  Salvador raised his hand in a sharp, dismissive gesture. “Don’t bother. When it comes to strategy, intelligence, and execution, you can’t even compare to even half of Carissa. Yet, you resent her for earning the people’s favor. Do you think that simply bearing the title of queen entitles you to their praise without effort? You don’t deserve it.”  There was a large number of students being accepted at Gracewood Women’s Academy now, and it would be strange for the former students who had dropped out to reenroll again. If that happened without proper reason or explanation, the common people would only feel more resentment toward the nobility.  How could Kylie suggest something like that so casually?  His words cut like a blade, piercing her heart deeply. Kylie lifted her head sharply, tears spilling over as her voice trembled with resentment.  “If you think I am inferior to Carissa in every way, then why did you marry her off to the Hell Monarch? Why didn’t you take her for yourself and replace me instead?”  The sound of a cup shattering against the floor echoed through the chamber, shards. scattering in every direction as Salvador roared, “Do you wish for me to depose you?!”  The fragments flew toward her, one sharp edge slicing across the back of her hand.  She froze, the words hitting her heart like a heavy blow. Pain twisted her heart, but she acted quickly, falling to her knees in desperation.  “Your Majesty, I misspoke. Please forgive me!”  Salvador didn’t spare her another glance. Withou a word, he stood and strode out.