Her Graceful War Song

Salvador's question hung heavy in the air, and for a long moment, Sebastian remained silent. His brow furrowed as he pondered, considering every possibility, weighing the odds.

The only sounds that filled the room were strained, shallow breaths and the pounding of hearts, creating a silence so profound it was suffocating and seemed to echo with despair.

At last, Sebastian slowly said, "There isn't really a solution. At best, there's a desperate gamble. But the chances of success... are very, very low."

"Tell us. Just say it," Victoria urged, even more anxious than Salvador.

Sebastian let out a deep sigh. "Even this gamble depends on him surviving the next three days. If he makes it through, I'll take him to Eldermere Keep. There, we will soak him in a brew made from the Everbind Herb, which grows only on those grounds. It might save his life. But the chances are slim. He may not last long enough to even get there."

"Can't we gather the Everbind Herb and bring it here? How would we move him in this condition?" Carissa asked.

Sebastian shook his head. "No, even though dried Everbind Herb has some effect, it needs to be brewed within an hour of being picked to unlock its full potential. It's said to have miraculous effects, but Prince Connor's injuries are too severe; even that might not be enough to save him."

He paused momentarily, then continued, "Should we choose this path, it will subject Prince Connor to excruciating pain. Even if he survives, he will never walk again. He will be bound to a life of constant medication, relying on the herbs from the keep. And he will be confined there, unable to leave, as required for the healing process."

Sebastian met Salvador's gaze, adding, "And I must be clear-if we choose this, I will not be able to return to the capital for at least a year."

In other words, the king would need to entrust his care to Sebastian's apprentices or the royal physicians during that time.

Salvador's face turned ashen, his features drawn and pale, drained of color. He gripped the arm of the chair with trembling hands.

"Healer Dalton, what are the chances? How certain are you?" he asked.

Sebastian's eyes flickered with reluctance. "Not much-not even one in ten. It's more like... a last-ditch effort. It will involve immense pain and suffering."

Filled with despair, Salvador's tears fell freely. As soon as he started crying, Victoria's own carefully controlled tears began to fall as well.

Rafael and Carissa also felt deeply troubled. They stood silently nearby, unsure how to offer comfort.

After a long pause, Sebastian said, "Your Majesties, you should deliberate on this decision. I will return to watch over Prince Connor."

With a respectful bow, he made his exit.

Salvador wished he could bear his son's pain and suffering in his place.

The chance of survival was so minuscule-less than one in ten. Should he risk it?

Or since the odds were so slim, should he abandon the idea entirely?

His heart was torn, filled with confusion and anguish.

He also thought about the heir to the throne-a crucial matter for the kingdom. As king, he couldn't let himself be consumed by grief. He still had to plan for the future of the kingdom.

Even if Connor survived, he could never become the crown prince. The choice would have to be between Caden and Cecil.

But no matter who was chosen,

Connor, as the eldest prince, would forever remain a thorn in the side of the new king. He would always be a reminder of what had been lost, and there would always be the thought of removing that threat.

"Your Majesty, this is your decision," Victoria's voice broke through his thoughts,

her tone choked with emotion.

Three pairs of eyes-Rafael's, Carissa's, and Victoria's-were fixed upon Salvador, waiting for his words. He sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity, before finally speaking.

"Tomorrow, announce to the outside world that Connor has passed. Begin preparations for the funeral, and let him be buried with the ceremonies befitting

the crown prince," he began slowly.

Victoria stiffened at his words. "You mean... to give up on him?"

Salvador shook his head.

"No, we will do as Healer Dalton suggested. He will be taken to Eldermere Keep. I want him to live even if there is only the slightest chance," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, each word filled with unbearable pain.

Everyone quickly understood why the death announcement had to be made.noveldrama

As Sebastian said, even if Connor

survived, he would never walk again. He could never fulfill the role of

crown prince or king. Instead, he ne

wary of

would become a burden to the new king, who would always be him.

By announcing Connor's death, the new king could remember his older brother,

and their brotherly bond would remain forever.