There was little doubt in the minds of the assembledpany that the equestrianpetition, though seemingly designed for the military men, had a deeper purpose to showcase how much Connor had improved since the Verdant Hunt.


    As for the exnation that the eldest prince''s misstep during that time had been caused by stomach pains, manyter came to see the w in that reasoning. Had he truly been unwell, surely he would have shown signs of it earlier. Indeed, he had been as lively as ever that morning.


    And yet, it was not so much a mistake as apse inposure. To miss his mark and then break down in tears-where was the resolve expected of a prince in such a moment?


    Upon hearing about thepetition, Kylie felt a surge of satisfaction. She hastened to Serenity Pce and implored the queen dowager to permit a brief meeting between her and her son. This time, Victoria agreed, but with the condition that she be present. No private meeting was to take ce.


    Though Kylie had hoped to speak privately with Connor, particrly to exin the matter of her poisoning him, she had no choice but to ept the queen dowager''s terms. A meeting, however brief, would suffice.


    She arrived in the evening and attended to Victoria during her supper. After waiting for two hours, she finally saw Connor and Ryan return, hands sped, with Caden following behind. It was so cold, yet their foreheads were drenched in sweat, which showed they had just finished training.


    The moment Kylieid eyes on her son, her heart clenched and her eyes welled with tears. It had been so long since she had seen him. He had changed so much, now thinner and taller.


    Connor and Ryan wereughing as they entered the room. But when the eldest prince noticed his mother and grandmother sitting together, his smile slowly faded. He approached and greeted Victoria first, then softly greeted Kylie. His tone was markedly cool, the warmth and his usual affection gone.


    Following his lead, Ryan and Caden greeted the two women and withdrew to stand at a distance.


    However, Kylie paid them no mind. Her tears flowed freely as she could scarcely believe what she saw. Her son was no longer filled with joy at the sight of her. Instead, he acted cold and distant. In the past, he would have run to her and soughtfort in her arms.


    It was clear that Victoria''s influence had sessfully driven a wedge between them.


    The queen did not allow her resentment to show, but on the inside, her anger toward the queen dowager burned fiercely. There had been a misunderstanding between Kylie and Connor, one that could have been easily resolved if only they had been allowed to meet.


    Now, it seemed that Victoria had used that matter to drive a wedge between them, causing the growing distance she now experienced.


    "Come to me, my son," Kylie said, her voice trembling. She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, wiping away the tears. "It has been so long since I have seen you. Let me look upon you, my dear."


    Connor had grown thin, and the


    sharpness of his features, along with his dark brows and eyes, now made him resemble Salvador in many training, he


    ways Yet, with Rafael''s many


    also carried a subtle air of


    He took a step forward. "I am here, Mom. You can see me quite clearly from where you sit."


    "No,e closer," Kylie insisted.


    She reached for his arm and pulled him toward her, enveloping him in her arms without hesitation. This time, her tears fell with a sense of helplessness.


    "Why do you act so distant with me? Have youe to resent me for not being able to visit you? I have longed to see you, my son, day after day, but s..."


    As her voice faltered, she quickly silenced herself a silent message to both Victoria and Connor about her silent frustration and helplessness.


    The queen dowager took a sip of her coffee, her gaze unfaltering as she gave no indication that she had heard the queen''s words. She raised a hand, silently instructing Ryan and Caden to retire for supper


    Connor quickly pulled away from Kylie and nced at Ryan. "Wait for me. I will be but a moment."


    Ryan paused. He noticed the tears on the queen''s face, but simply nodded. "We''ll


    go on ahead. Take your time speaking to Her Majesty."


    Connor hurriedly added, "Save me a drumstick, then. And leave threemb meatballs for me."


    Ryan grinned. "I''ll make sure of it."


    However, the eldest prince took the chance to walk over to his


    As he came to a stop at Ryan''s side, he turned slightly and gave Victoria a formal


    bow. "Grandmother, I''ll take my leave."


    Kylie sprang from her chair and called out sharply, "Stop right there!"