Her Graceful War Song

A few days later, the lifeless form of a palace maid was carried out of Victoria's palace.

That same day, Salvador issued an edict, commanding Sylvia to move out of Tranquil Palace. She was to take Phoebe and Cecil with her and settle in Laurel Palace.

Located in the northwest corner of the palace, Laurel Palace was near the Cold Palace. Almost no one went there on normal days.

When the edict was delivered, Sylvia was struck dumb. She stood frozen, unable to comprehend for a long time. It was some time before she managed to regain control of herself, though her face was still deathly pale.

"Pack up," she finally instructed her attendants in a hollow voice.

This was it—she and Cecil were completely out of the succession race.

Truth be told, she had expected this outcome ever since she learned of Jeanette's miscarriage. She had known this day would come. The dosage she had given Jeanette was small, barely enough to show any immediate effects. She had anticipated that it would take at least half a month for anything to happen.

But when the miscarriage occurred the very next day, it confirmed one fact-one

of her spies in Jeanette's circle had sided with either Kylie or Grace.

It no longer mattered who it was. Salvador had clearly learned of Sylvia's involvement in the miscarriage. The fact that he had ordered her relocation to another palace meant he knew she was behind it.

If she tried to resist or stir up more trouble, it would no longer be a simple relocation but banishment to the Cold Palace.

This was the best outcome Sylvia could hope for. If she was lucky, there might be no further retribution.

Soon, the news of Sylvia's transfer spread throughout the harem. Everyone still remembered her grand entrance into Tranquil Palace. Now, seeing her relegated to a palace near the Cold Palace, the gossip began. Many speculated that the move was tied to Jeanette's miscarriage.

However, Salvador's edict stated that the relocation was due to Cecil's health. Though the young prince was recovering, he still needed peace and quiet to regain his strength. So, Sylvia and the children would move to Laurel Palace to avoid disturbances.

Additionally, Sylvia was to care for Cecil. As a result, her authority to manage the harem would be temporarily relinquished. Salvador instructed that a suitable person be selected to work with Grace in managing affairs.

While the official reasoning seemed clear, who could truly know the truth?

Perhaps the one most delighted by this turn of events was Kylie. At last, the thorn in her side had been removed.

"Has everything been handled?" Kylie asked, a trace of satisfaction in her voice.

Lydia nodded. "You need not worry, Your Majesty. The palace maid was taken by the queen dowager. She was tortured, and confessed about Lady Sylvia before being put to death. I don't expect this matter to be tied to you, Your Majesty."

Kylie felt a stir of unease upon hearing that Victoria had conducted the interrogation. But after a moment, she reminded herself that there was no need to

worry too much. Since the palace maid had already confessed Sylvia's involvement, Victoria would have no reason to probe further.

Still, the queen found her joy somewhat dampened. After all, Sylvia was only being moved to another palace, and had been demoted rather than imprisoned. Even more irksome was the fact that Salvador and Victoria had gone so far as to make excuses, claiming the relocation was necessary for Cecil's recuperation.

"His Majesty will never let Lady Grace wield all the power. Do you think I have a chance of regaining control of the harem?" Kylie asked, her voice steady but sharp.

She had hoped this move would

serve two purposes. Not only would it pull Sylvia from power, it might also allow Kylie to reclaim hernoveldrama

authority of the harem. If she could take charge again, even if Grace

remained in charge of certain

matters, at least Kylie would retain ultimate say over the harem.

Lydia hesitated, unwilling to give false hope.

Finally, she simply said, "Your Majesty, we can only abide by His Majesty's decisions."

However, what came as a surprise to many was that Grace's authority was also rescinded. The control of the harem was temporarily handed to Victoria.

Others were perplexed by this shift, but Carissa understood. With the power in the queen dowager's hands, any plot against the crown prince would be far more difficult to execute. Everyone would have to lie low and wait-no one would dare make any bold moves in the short term.

On the third day after Sylvia's relocation, she made her way to Serenity Palace to seek an audience with Victoria.

Sylvia had come to terms with her downfall. When one chose a path, one had to be prepared for the consequences. Yet, this time, she knew that someone else had meddled behind the scenes. For that reason, she requested to see the queen dowager and spoke her suspicions aloud.

Victoria listened quietly as Sylvia confessed to having given Jeanette the miscarriage-inducing drug.

"If the medicine was to remain undetected, the dosage couldn't be too large. Otherwise, the royal physicians would surely notice.

"So, I instructed the palace maid to administer it slowly over the course of half a month. But Lady Jeanette's miscarriage occurred the very next day. I believe someone interfered behind the scenes. I am guilty, but the one who acted in the shadows is equally to blame," Sylvia explained.

Victoria looked at her with tired, swollen eyes.

Instead of responding to the accusation, she said, "You should focus on caring for Cecil in Laurel

Palace. The child is innocent, andet

the king will not take his wrath out on him. In time, Cecil will have better days. But mark my words do not stir up any more trouble. That is my final counsel to you."