Chapter 1056 Salvador listened to Derek's report, his face darkening with "Wretched little fool!" he muttered.
anger.
+25 BONUS "Your Majesty," Derek continued, "the queen dowager has instructed Lady Helen, Prince Rafael, and Lady Carissa to leave the palace. She told them she wanted Lord Ryan to stay for lunch, and she will send him out when the palace gates close." "Go to the kitchen yourself. Have them prepare sof Her Majesty's favorite dishes. I will join her for the meal," Salvador said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." "Then go to Everspring Palace and deliver my command. Have Barrett take Connor to kneel in the royal chapel. Barrett is to recount every battle the Sinclair family has fought. I will interrogate him on the details." Derek thought this was an excellent idea, particularly 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, the competition for the title of crown prince has always been fierce, involving the royal family, the palace, 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.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtKylie and her family tried several times to test the waters, but Salvador still couldn't make up 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 delayed. 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.
1/3 Chapter 1056 +25 BONUS 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 sfood for him, speaking in a soft, comforting tone to ease his nerves.
"Mom, this is your favorite. Eat a bit more," Salvador said quietly.
Victoria remained silent. Whatever dish Salvador placed 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 impeccable. Even Salvador couldn't help but admire Ryan's composure. 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 play, 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." "I remember you and the second son of the Sinclair family had been very close," Victoria said.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Mentioning old friends brought a slight ache to Salvador's heart. "Yes, we were of similar age. He spent à year as my study partner in the palace, and we fought side by side on the battlefield. I would call him a brother."
"He was your brother, your comrade, and your subject. The Sinclair stg 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 Northwatch's family to carry on their name.
"As his honorary uncle, you must protect him from anyone who dares to bully him, especially Connor's words wereurs" ble.
Don't be too quick to blthe queen. If you're to assign blame, you should start with yourself. You've failed to teach Connor what the Sinclair 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 +25 BONUS Chapter 1056 choice.
"But when it comes to Ryan, that is different. I not only ask that you do not allow anyone to harm him-I demand that you protect him."