Her Graceful War Song

Jeanette didn't notice the subtle smirk tugging at the corner of Calista's lips.

The maid had been by her side since her time as a mid-ranked concubine. Smart and composed, Calista often offered Jeanette advice.

When Kylie had tried to win Jeanette over, Calista had warned that the queen's repeated house arrests were a sign Salvador no longer favored her. She had suggested Jeanette steer clear of Kylie, who held no authority over the harem, and instead align herself with Grace and Sylvia.noveldrama

Calista had been right. Grace had treated Jeanette well, providing her with everything she needed, making it so no one dared to look down on her anymore.

But things had changed.

Grace, once a true ally, was now using Jeanette's pregnancy to get closer to Salvador. Jeanette couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about it.

"Do you not like Lady Grace's visits?" Calista asked as she adjusted the pillows to lift Jeanette's head and back.

Long days in bed had begun to wear on her; her back ached from lying down too much.

Trusting Calista as she did, Jeanette didn't hesitate to speak her mind, explaining, "When my pregnancy was more stable, Lady Grace didn't visit so frequently. Now, it's clear she's not coming to see me out of genuine concern. It's all because the king is here. He visits because he cares for me, but Lady Grace and Prince Caden keep interrupting us, so we hardly have a chance to talk."

Calista offered a comforting smile. "You don't need to worry about such things. Just focus on taking care of yourself."

Jeanette sighed deeply. "I lie in bed all day and night, and can only sit up when His Majesty comes. This child is certainly causing me some discomfort. I hope it's a prince—then at least all this suffering will be worth it."

Calista chuckled lightly. "Your wish will surely come true, Your Grace."

Jeanette turned her head to look at her. "What do you think is wrong with His Majesty? I hear Healer Dalton has been living in the palace and taking care of him day and night. Meanwhile, the royal physicians only visit to check on him and leave."

Calista thought for a moment before replying, "I'm not sure, Your Grace. However, His Majesty seems to be in good spirits. It's likely that Healer Dalton was brought in to help with his recovery. Since the royal physicians only need to check on him, it doesn't seem serious."

Jeanette placed a hand over her stomach, a glimmer of ambition in her eyes. "If I give birth to a prince, surely I'll be promoted to a higher rank. With the king's favor, I might even stand a chance to compete for more."

Calista raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Your Grace. So, it's even more important that you take good care of yourself."

Jeanette closed her eyes, pressing her hand more firmly against her belly. She was determined to protect this child—no matter what. With this child, her future in the palace would be much more secure.

Getting promoted to a higher rank was something Jeanette had never dared to dream of when she first entered the palace. It was only thanks to her mother's gift of good looks that she had won Salvador's favor.

She knew that within the harem, everything was uncertain. Nothing held more weight than the king's favor and the promise of offspring. Those were the only things that truly mattered.

"If I were to become a high-ranking concubine, I won't have to keep flattering others. I won't need to constantly please Lady Grace," said Jeanette. Her tone was soft, tinged with a hint of sadness, yet there was also some arrogance in it.

Calista didn't reply. She only helped Jeanette settle into bed before quietly leaving the room.

From that day on, Grace stopped visiting with Caden.

At first, Jeanette felt a bit uneasy. She thought the words she said to Salvador had reached Grace's ears and made her angry. But the next day, Grace still sent royal jelly soup for her. A royal physician examined it and reported there was nothing wrong with it, so Jeanette felt slightly relieved.

However, she couldn't be completely at ease. So, she had Calista inquire about Caden. It turned out that the prince was sick, so much so that he didn't even go to the study for lessons or participate in archery practice.

Grace had been attending to him every day, which was why she hadn't been able to visit Jeanette.

This news allowed Jeanette to

finally relax. When Salvador came to visit, she made sure to seize every opportunity to attract his attention knowing well that men tended to be drawn to women who appeared delicate and in need of protection. So, she would often feign weariness, making herself appear fragile and vulnerable.

"Foolish girl!" Grace muttered lazily as she reclined in her chaise lounge, a golden armor clasp brushing lightly against her satin gown as she listened to the person speaking to

her. I she's so ungrateful, let her be. If

Some people just aren't meant for

good fortune."

Calista, who shouldn't have been there, smiled slightly as she said, "She doesn't

know how much you've done for her, Your Grace."

Grace chuckled. "I'm not doing all this for her, but it does benefit her in the end.

She's a disobedient wretch who doesn't know her place. There's no use keeping

her around. Since she's useless, it's best to discard her."

"Understood, Your Grace. I'll turn a blind eye. Is Prince Caden in serious condition?" Calista asked.

"It's nothing. He's just caught a chill," Grace replied.

Given Caden's esteemed position, it was hard to believe he could fall ill so easily

-unless Grace had allowed it.