Her Graceful War Song

By the time they arrived at Laurel Palace, the sky had darkened.

Laurel Palace stood in an isolated corner of the palace district, separated from the Cold Palace by only a single wall. The bitter wind howled through the trees, its wailing like the cries of restless spirits.

As Carissa led Victoria's head chamberlain, Keith, along the narrow path, she took note of the wild grass lining the way. Most of it was dry and brittle, with only the occasional pale green shoot clinging to life. Winter in the north was unforgiving. It allowed no sign of growth, just as the abandoned Cold Palace permitted no trace of hope.

Ordinarily, Keith did not accompany Carissa on visits to the other residences. But this time, at Victoria's command, he had insisted on following her to Sylvia's chambers. Carissa understood the queen dowager's reasoning. Keith had served by her side the longest-if there was scheming afoot in the harem, none could decipher it better than he.

It seemed Sylvia had been waiting for them. When they entered, she rolled her neck with a slow stretch, as if shaking off fatigue, then cast a glance past them toward the doorway.

With a faint, indifferent smile, she said, "Only the two of you? I half expected you to bring an entire retinue to seal off Laurel Palace, Lady Carissa."

Carissa took note of Sylvia's attire-it was unmistakably Camila's work. The rich hues and intricate embroidery framed Sylvia's striking beauty, making her appear as radiant as the sun. And yet, her gaze held the same sharp defiance as ever. Even knowing what lay ahead, she carried herself with undiminished pride.

"Lady Sylvia," Carissa greeted, bowing respectfully as Keith followed suit.

Sylvia let out a mirthless laugh. "You're still greeting me with such courtesy? I thought I had already been condemned as the villain of this tale. Surely I do not deserve such formalities from the two of you, Your Grace and Mr. Finley."

She gestured languidly to the chairs. "Sit, then. Ask whatever you came to ask."

Heidi hurried forward to offer them seats and sent for refreshments.

Sylvia remained silent, watching them with an unreadable expression until the drinks were served. Only when Carissa lifted her cup and took a sip without hesitation did Sylvia finally speak again.

"So bold," she murmured, tilting her head. "Do you trust me so implicitly? Or are you simply unafraid that I might have poisoned your drink?"noveldrama

Carissa set down her cup and met the concubine's gaze. "Lady Sylvia, Mr. Finley and I have been tasked with investigating Prince Connor's murder. As of now, we have yet to determine the culprit."

Carissa wished to convey that the evidence was not yet conclusive. So, there was no need for Sylvia to react so defensively.

Sylvia laughed coldly, her expression laced with skepticism. "And yet you suspect me, do you not? Why bother with all these pretenses? If you have evidence, then lay it before me."

She arched her brow. "It is the

caltrop, is it not? The Ministry of Defense has no shortage of such things. The one found beneath.

Prince Connor's saddle may pl

have been the same one my son played with. Even if it was, it disappeared long ago. Who knows who took it? It proves nothing."

Since Sylvia had already begun addressing the evidence directly, Carissa said, "We have questioned the guards and attendants who tended to them. The horses were inspected prior to the incident, and after that, only Prince Cecil

approached Prince Connor's mount. That is why Mr. Finley and I are here. We wish to speak with Prince Cecil."

At this, Sylvia's expression darkened.

"I have already questioned him myself. He swore he had done no such thing," she replied, her voice sharp with fury.

Keith spoke calmly, "Lady Sylvia, there is no need for alarm. The prince is but a child; he may not have meant any harm. It could have been no more than a—"

"Mind what you say, Mr. Finley!"

Sylvia's hand struck the arm of her chair as she interrupted him. "Ceci said he didn't do it, and that's the end of it. I believe him. He doesn't lie. You're not merely casting doubt upon him, you're accusing me of instructing him."

Keith frowned. "Many can attest to the fact that the caltrop belonged to him. And he alone was seen near Prince Connor's horse. With such evidence, Her Grace is bound to inquire further. Do you truly mean to forbid us from questioning him at all?"

"I do." Sylvia rose to her feet, her posture as unyielding as a fortress wall. "If you question him, he will believe the entire world suspects him of harming his own brother. As long as I'm around, I won't allow anyone to accuse him of such things."