Her Graceful War Song

Inside Everspring Palace, the underfloor heating kept the room warm. Carissa had already been sitting for some time after removing her cloak. She had been waiting quietly after arriving, having been informed by the servants that Kylie had gone to change her clothes.

-

At that moment, Kylie was in her private chambers, eating royal jelly soup. When Lydia kept insisting that she hurry to see Carissa, the queen looked slightly impatient.

"What harm is there in letting her wait a bit longer?" she quipped.

"Your Majesty, you've always said we should avoid offending her. Now that she's come here, why not explain things clearly? We can resolve the misunderstandings and everything will be fine," Lydia replied. Kylie paused for a moment, her expression hardening.

"I used to think that too. But you heard what His Majesty just said he told me that whether Carissa hits me or scolds me, I'm to bear it. He doesn't treat me like the queen. He only wants the person close to his heart to vent her anger," she said bitterly, pushing her bowl of royal jelly soup aside.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "Has he lost his mind? Or does he truly have feelings for Carissa?"

Lydia gently tried to comfort her, saying, "Your Majesty, the king said that because he knows Lady Carissa wouldn't dare raise a hand to you. He was just frustrated and spoke in anger. Don't take it to heart." "Who isn't frustrated?" Kylie dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief. "Am I not frustrated? What great crime have I committed that warrants being punished time and again? My rights in the harem are gone, and I'm not allowed to care for Connor. And now, I have to endure the anger of a woman like her. What's the point of holding this position if I am to be so humiliated?"

Lydia sighed deeply, her tone urgent as she added, "Your Majesty, you must not act on impulse. If you don't clear the air with Lady Carissa, Lady Grace will take this opportunity to sway her to her side. You don't know what happened earlier. While we were coming here, Prince Caden stopped her, gave her a sugar figurine, and called her a great hero. Lady Carissa was overjoyed.'

"Grace?" Kylie scoffed. "That clown? With her background, what right does she have to compete with me?"

"Lady Grace may not be a threat, but what about Lady Sylvia? Her father is the Minister of Justice; his position in the Supreme Court makes her powerful. If she aligns with Lady Carissa, it could jeopardize Prince Connor's position. You must endure this for now. Later, if you need to vent, you can take it out onnoveldrama

us."

Kylie sighed heavily, wiping away her remaining tears. "I can't bear to take my frustrations out on all of you. You know how soft-hearted I am, yet you all take advantage of that. Fine, let's go. I don't want the royal jelly soup anymore. Let's go and face her. But let me make this clear-if she truly crosses the line, I will not tolerate it."

Lydia patted her back reassuringly. "Endure it for now."

Kylie sighed. "Fine, let's go. Let's see just how impressive this female general is. She dares to come to Everspring Palace and show off her power, after all."

In a room with the smell of scented candles filling the air, Carissa had been waiting for a while.

When Kylie finally emerged, Carissa rose and curtsied respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Kylie glanced at her, noting that her demeanor was proper and devoid of any mockery.

She gave a slight nod. "No need for such formality. Please have a seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Carissa waited for the queen to sit first before gently lowering herself onto a seat.

Expecting Carissa to speak about the matter from the other day, Kylie was silently calculating her next

move. She wondered how to gracefully resolve the tension. between them without losing her dignity.

However, after a long silence, Carissa didn't say a word. Kylie glanced up to look at her. Carissa's expression was indifferent, looking like she had no intention to speak at all.

Kylie's brows furrowed.

Was Carissa waiting for her to speak first? To offer an apology?

The queen had intended to make peace, but after hearing Salvador's words, resentment had settled in her heart. It made it harder for her to

take the first step. Still, the silence between them was awkward

Kylie subtly gave Lydia a signal.

BUMS

Understanding the cue, Lydia stepped forward and knelt before Carissa. "Your Grace, forgive me. That day I spoke out of turn. I misinterpreted Her Majesty's intentions. She never meant to overstep and interfere with the

affairs of the Hell Monarch's

household. It was all a

misunderstanding."

"If it's a misunderstanding, there's no need to bring it up again. Please rise," Carissa responded with a

soft nod.