Chapter 1309
Lydia could not see Connor directly. Servants at Serenity Palace reported he was occupied copying the Thousand Verses, a task Victoria had forbidden anyone from interrupting. Knowing Connor's aversion to writing, Lydia found this obedience perplexing.
News from Serenity Palace was tightly controlled; bribery proved futile. After persistent efforts, Lydia gleaned a crucial detail: Victoria had ordered Connor to eat only after completing his daily copying.
Lydia recoiled. "Prince Connor hasn't eaten since arriving at Serenity Palace?" He had departed Goldleaf Palace at dawn, skipping breakfast. It was now well past noon, and he remained unfed.
No one responded. After a prolonged wait, Lydia returned to Everspring Palace to report.
Hearing of Connor's deprivation, Kylie's heart ached, her fists clenched in anger. "That's her grandson! How heartless! This won't do! I'm going to Serenity Palace to bring him back. When has he ever endured such hardship?"
Lydia quickly intervened. "Your Majesty, you remain under house arrest. You cannot go. Further angering His Majesty could prolong your confinement."
Tears welled in Kylie's eyes as she glared. "Do you expect me to stand by while my son suffers?"
"Prince Connor is still the Queen Dowager's grandson. If truly hungry, she won't let him starve. I believe she hopes to foster diligence in him; perhaps this will improve his character," Lydia replied.
Noticing Kylie's softening expression, Lydia continued, "Your Majesty, don't worry excessively. His Majesty entrusted Prince Connor to the Queen Dowager's care, indicating continued favor. A little hardship now may yield immeasurable future rewards. Instead of resentment, express gratitude and respect to the Queen Dowager."
Kylie wiped her tears, reflecting on Lydia's words. She realized their merit. Temporary hardship could secure Connor's future, preventing later anxieties. Her family's downfall left her unable to rely on her parents or her troublemaking grandfather.
She gritted her teeth. "Go again, and thank the Queen Dowager on my behalf."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Immediately," Lydia replied, departing swiftly.
However, her return brought stunning news.
"What? The Hell Monarch requests permission for the Southern Frontier? Didn't he have a heart ailment?" Kylie asked incredulously.
Lydia nodded. "He's been recuperating at Meadow Ridge. Hearing of Prince Connor's situation, he sent a letter via carrier pigeon to Lady Carissa, requesting a royal edict. His Majesty granted it."
Kylie sat stunned. "So His Majesty won't lead the campaign personally?"
"It seems so," Lydia sighed, relieved. "This spares His Majesty's life."
Kylie looked at her sharply. "What's to celebrate? If His Majesty doesn't lead, the crown prince matter remains distant!"
"We must be patient. His Majesty's health is paramount. Internal strife and external threats abound. Without the King in the capital, the kingdom's fate hangs in the balance," Lydia soothed.
While true, Kylie's dissatisfaction remained. They were so close, yet so far. Why did the Hell Monarch's letter arrive now? A delay of even a day or two would have been preferable, ideally after Salvador's decision to lead the campaign and formally name the crown prince. Even mentioning the crown prince to ministers would have clarified Salvador's intentions, influencing their loyalties. It had been so close.