When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 1060 Before today, Carissa had never paid much attention to the question of who would succeed the throne.

First, Salvador was still young; it seemed unlikely that he would appoint a crown prince so soon.

Second, the royal family already had a legitimate eldest son, which was rare. Even in noble families, it wasn't uncommon for a legitimate son to be born after a concubine's child. There were many women in the king's harem, and it was always possible for a lesser concubine to bear the first son.

In many noble families, it was customary that before the primary wife entered the household, no other concubines were allowed to bear children. Even during the nights of intimacy, a special medicine was consumed to prevent conception. If a woman were to accidentally becpregnant, a medicinal abortion was a common solution.

However, the royal family was different. Any child born to a concubine, boy or girl, was still considered part of the royal bloodline.

One of Salvador's concubines, Penelope, who had conceived before Kylie, had once made Kylie anxious. She had feared that Penelope might give birth to the eldest prince. In the end, Penelope bore a princess, and Kylie was relieved.

Carissa had heard these stories from her mother, but she had never really given them much thought since then. She had assumed that as the king's legitimate eldest son, Connor would be carefully nurtured and trained. What she hadn't anticipated was that he would grow up with such a character.

Kylie's actions were also puzzling-she had been a celebrated talent in the capital, accomplished in every art from painting to poetry, and had studied the classics.

How could she not know that indulging a child only harmed the child? Especially when that child was the future crown prince.

"Don't think about these things. It's upsetting," Rafael said, his hand gently massaging her brow. His handsface was softened by the dim light, making his features appear even more serene.

"Appointing the crown prince is something His Majesty will handle with great care. As for us, we are in no position to interfere with the succession. We can only watch and wait. And though Mother doesn't currently involve herself in politics, when it comes to appointing the crown prince, she will undoubtedly discuss it with His Majesty." Carissa nodded. She had been thinking the sthing. Not only was it beyond her 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 1060 influence, but it would also be unwise for Rafael to interfere. Such actions might invite suspicion from Salvador.

Since Salvador was already wary of Rafael, the best thing to do was to stay out of it. That way, nothing would go wrong and no one could find anything to use against them, which would put them in a vulnerable position.

Having a sense of boundaries was essential-after all, they were brothers in a royal family, and maintaining harmony between ruler and subject was the most basic foundation.

As night fell in Fawnrun City, the moon hung in the sky like a silver plate.

Lisandra sat in the courtyard of the marshal's residence, Warhawk Keep, the tense atmosphere that had gripped her fading. She felt utterly drained, as though she lacked the strength even to speak.

Fortunately, her headache hadn't returned. Otherwise, she feared she wouldn't have been able to hold on, and the battle would have already begun.

"Your Highness, the wind is strong. You should return and rest," Aria said, draping a cloak over her shoulders. Her eyes lingered on Lisandra's pale, gaunt face, and a wave of pity swept over her.

Lisandra tightened the cloak around her. "How is Aurora now?" "She's being held. She's half-dead already. We've severed her tendons, but she's stubborn -still clinging to life, hoping someone will cto rescue her." Lisandra raised an eyebrow. "Still hoping for rescue? Did she say that?" Aria nodded. "When she was delirious, she kept muttering something like, 'Since you took my money, you have to save me. Don't letdown. You won't disappoint me, right?"" A cold glint flashed in Lisandra's eyes.

"She won't get that chance. Send her to Grapevine Village and Melondrop Village tomorrow and let the people exact their Vengeance. Keep a close watch on her. When she dies, cut off her head and take it to Westhaven for the ritual sacrifice." "Understood!" Aria's voice was full of grim resolve. "She has no right to keep living. Every day she spends in Fawnrun City is an insult to its people."

Lisandra's gaze hardened. "Send word to the army. Anyone who wants to see it can come. The anger has been building for too long, and only when they see Aurora's blood will their resentment be quelled." She paused before continuing, her voice colder still. "Take Penny with you. Doesn't she want to avenge Arthur? Let her witness it." 2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 1060 Aria nodded sharply. "Yes, Your Highness." As they spoke, Yuna stepped forward to help Lisandra inside. She guided the grand princess to lie on the bed before gently massaging her aching scalp.

"It's nothing. It hasn't flared up," Lisandra murmured, her eyes half-closed in exhaustion. Despite her weariness, she couldn't allow herself a moment's respite, not when there were still battles to fight upon returning to the capital.