Salvador listened to Derek''s report, his face darkening with anger. "Wretched little fool!" he muttered.


    "Your Majesty," Derek continued, "the queen dowager has instructed Lady Helen, Prince Rafael, and Lady Carissa to leave the pce. She told them she wanted Lord Ryan to stay for lunch, and she will send him out when the pce gates close." "Go to the kitchen yourself. Have them prepare some of Her Majesty''s favorite dishes. I will join her for the meal," Salvador said.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    "Then go to Everspring Pce and deliver mymand. Have Barrett take Connor to kneel in the royal chapel. Barrett is to recount every battle the Sinir family has fought. I will interrogate him on the details."


    Derek thought this was an excellent idea, particrly the bit about sending Barrett to handle it.


    After Derek withdrew, Salvador stared at the stack of reports before him, his mind drifting.


    In recent years, the calls to appoint the crown prince have grown louder. Throughout history, thepetition for the title of crown prince has always been fierce, involving the royal family, the pce, noble families, and various other factions.


    But in this era, there was no real debate. The selection of the heir was based on birth order and legitimacy. Since Connor was both the eldest son and the legitimate son, his position was unmatched by any other princes. Therefore, there was no doubt that he would be appointed as the crown prince.


    Kylie and her family tried several times to test the waters, but Salvador still couldn''t make up his mind. The only reason was that, in terms of both ability and temperament, Connor was not suited to be the crown prince. Salvador had a thousand worries about handing the kingdom over to him.


    Fortunately, Connor was still young, and the matter of appointing the crown prince could be dyed. However, as a king, Salvador''s thoughts reached beyond the present, looking toward the future. Though he had a legitimate eldest son, the boy was not suited for the role. It left Salvador feeling disheartened.


    At lunch, the table was set with exquisite dishes. However, Victoria had specifically instructed that no one wait on her. She sent everyone out, leaving them to stand by the door. Since no one was serving Victoria, Salvador didn''t dare to eat either and stood beside her to serve her food.


    Ryan also considered standing, but Victoria gently pressed him back into his seat. She personally picked up some food for him, speaking in a soft,forting tone to ease his nerves.


    "Mom, this is your favorite. Eat a bit more," Salvador said quietly.


    Victoria remained silent. Whatever dish Salvador ced before her, she ate without protest. Yet, her appetite seemed subdued. She barely touched her food, instead focusing on encouraging Ryan to eat.


    Ryan felt nervous inside, but he didn''t show it. His hands held the cutlery steady, without the slightest tremor. He thanked her politely and ate slowly, his manners impable.


    Even Salvador couldn''t help but admire Ryan''sposure. The boy was remarkably steady for his age.


    Once the meal concluded, Victoria''s mood had noticeably improved. She called for a few young servants to take Ryan outside to y, leaving Salvador alone in the hall with her. Victoria''s expression remained warm as she spoke.


    "Do you think Ryan is promising?"


    Salvador nodded, his approval clear. "He''s promising and well-behaved."novelbin


    "I remember you and the second son of the Sinir family had been very close," Victoria said.


    Mentioning old friends brought a


    slight ache to Salvador''s heart. "Yes, we were of simr age. He spent a year as my study partner in the


    pce, and we fought side by


    .n


    de


    on the battlefield. I would call him a brother."


    "He was your brother, yourrade, and your subject. The Sinir


    family''s contributions to Starhaven are beyond measure. You know this better than anyone. Now, Ryan is the only one left of the Duke of


    ΛΟ


    Northwatch''s family to carry on their name.


    "As his honorary uncle, you must protect him from anyone who dares to bully him, especially your son. Connor''s words were unforgivable Don''t be too quick to me the queer If you''re to assign me, you should start with yourself. You''ve


    failed to teach Connor what the


    Sinir family means to Starhaven."


    Victoria took a slow sip of coffee, her eyes sweeping over his face. When she saw a trace of guilt, she continued.


    "Since your ascension to the throne, I''ve refrained from interfering in your decisions. I know all your decisions are carefully considered and weighed, and often, you have no choice.


    "But when ites to Ryan, that is different. I not only ask that you do not allow anyone to harm him-I demand that you protect him."