Kylie''s words incensed Salvador to the point of fury. With a swift motion, he swept the cup off the table, sending it crashing to the floor in a sharp ng that startled Kylie into silence.


    She felt his reaction was somewhat excessive. "Your Majesty, it was just a careless remark from a child! It didn''t hurt Ryan. Why such an outburst over something so trivial?"


    Salvador''s voice was cold as ice. "If you''d rather Connor remain a mere child with no responsibilities or expectations, I will dly grant your wish."


    Kylie was stunned. "Your Majesty, you can''t say such things! If word of this gets out, I fear the ministers will take it to heart!"


    Salvador sneered. "And what''s wrong with that? After all, you''ve made it clear you hold no great hopes for him. If he''s to be nothing more than azy prince begging for scraps from his younger brother, so be it."


    Kylie''s vision blurred, her mind reeling with the shock of his words. She nearly fainted, and a cold dread settled in her chest.


    She had been living in thep of luxury for so long that she had forgotten the dangers of wielding power. How could she expect to gain everything just because of her status?


    With trembling hands, she pleaded, "Your Majesty, it''s all my fault. I failed as a mother. I''ve spoiled him and let him run wild. If hecks the ability or temperament to fulfill his duties, I will never me anyone but myself. From now on, I will oversee his education with greater care, ensuring he grows up to bepassionate and wise-"


    Salvador cut her off sharply. "I don''t want to hear empty promises. You have one year. If, by the end of that time, he remains as reckless and ignorant as he is now, then he will no longer be worthy of my consideration."


    Kylie''s heart sank at the mention of a deadline, but she was relieved to hear there was still time. "Yes, Your Majesty. I know what to do."


    Salvador''s gaze remained cold and piercing. "Good. Tomorrow, have hime to see me. I want to see his palms for myself."


    Kylie''s stomach turned at the reminder of the twenty strikes to Cooner''s palms. Her heart ached for her son. From the moment he was born, he had been precious and pampered. How could he endure such punishment?


    A surge of resentment toward Carissa and Ryan welled up within her. No matter how grand their ancestors'' aplishments had been, Connor was still a child. To be struck over a few harsh words-wasn''t that going too far?


    Meanwhile, Barrett was still in the


    royal chapel, overseeing Connor''s punishment. He didn''t know the full details, only that today was supposed to be a day off. Ian had sent for him to bring Connor to the


    royal chapel and inform him of every


    battle fought by Hector.


    The Duke of Northwatch, Hector Sinir, was like a sacred being in Barrett''s heart. He could recount every battle the elder man fought as if it were a treasured memory.


    As he spoke, he suddenly copsed and started crying, scaring Connor.


    Outside, Derek listened to the sound of Barrett''s weeping without showing any emotion. Regretful tears were the least useful of all.


    When Connor returned to Everspring


    Pce, Kylie''s face was cold as she issued a punishment. The twenty strikes to his palms were not to be softened in any way, especially since Connor was expected to see the king the next morning.


    The harsh discipline of the ruler''s discipline left Connor''s hands raw and bleeding. Connor cried painfully, his face turning purple.


    "I just said one wrong thing... Why is Dad so heartless? I''m his son! But Ryan is nothing-nothing at all!"novelbin


    The servants in Everspring Pce also began to weep. Connor had grown up before their eyes, and his status was so high-how could the king bear to punish him so?


    Kylie''s heart ached seeing her son in pain, but she couldn''t show it. She wiped away a tear in secret and ordered the royal physician to tend to Connor''s wounds. She knew she couldn''t disy any softness.


    Not everyone in Everspring Pce was loyal to her. If they were, Salvador wouldn''t have learned that she hadn''t struck Connor''s palms before this.


    Not only did she have to hide her sympathy, but she also had to remain stern.


    "You went to the royal chapel today with Deputy Commander Warren to hear about the Duke of Northwatch''s feats. After hearing all of that, howe can you still speak like this? It seems Deputy Commander Warren''s words went in one ear and out the other. After you pay your respects to your dad tomorrow, you will kneel at the royal chapel again."


    At the mention of having to kneel again tomorrow, Connor broke into another round of sobs. He cried for nearly half an hour before his wailing finally subsided.