At dawn, Connor and Ryan rose with high spirits, brimming with confidence.


    In stark contrast, Caden appeared weary and drained, his dark circles more pronounced than ever after having been tormented throughout the night.


    Nightmare after nightmare had gued him. One had consisted of visions of his own severed head rolling across the floor, pools of blood staining the ground. In another dream, Connory before him with both legs shattered, his agonized screams echoing through the darkness. He also dreamed of the tortured chambein, the man''s words ying over and over in his mind.


    Whether in sleep or while awake, terror clung to Caden, leaving him trembling uncontrobly.


    Grace arrived with Lyra to personally dress him. As she helped him into his formal attire, she spoke softly, coaxing him and reminding him of what had to be done today. She soothed his nerves, assuring him that Connor would not die.


    As she saw Caden''s expression ease, she pressed on, painting a grand vision of power for him. With it, he could bring prosperity to Starhaven, making his reign a golden age that would be remembered for centuries.


    Grace knew her son better than anyone. He was not without ambition, far from it in fact. But Victoria had been deliberately drawing the brothers closer by arranging for them to study, train, and y together-all to cultivate their brotherly bond.


    Children were sentimental creatures and easily swayed bypanionship. However, these feelings were trivial indulgences. If Caden lost sight of his future because of such things, the cost would be far too great.


    With both Grace and Lyra urging him on, his resolve began to solidify. The doubt faded from his eyes, reced by a steely determination.


    Dressed and ready, they stepped out together.


    -


    Long before dawn, Salvador had already departed for the Celestial Sanctum, leading the court ministers and military officials in the sacrificial rites. By the time the royal concubines, princes, and princesses arrived, the ceremony was well underway.


    The royal gardens were draped in blue, a festive air suffusing every corner of the pce. Salvador was in excellent spirits today. During the ceremony, he even made a wish-for a few more years of life.


    The Archseer cast his divinations and assured the king that his wish would be granted. With that prophecy and Sebastian treating him, Salvador believed it.


    Summoning all his children before him, he prepared to receive their well wishes and birthday greetings. He bestowed gifts upon each of his children, his expression warm as he exchanged a few words with them.


    Victoria was absent today. The bitter cold made it unwise for her to leave her chambers, lest she fall ill. Yet before departing the pce that morning, Salvador had already gone to visit her.


    With the formalities concluded, the king instructed the princes and princesses to spend time with their horses, ensuring they were familiar with them before the ridingpetition at noon.


    Beyond thepetition, the day promised further amusements in the form of various games and entertainment. A temporary stage had even been erected just for the asion, and would soon be the site of an opera performance.


    The military officers were also set topete, showcasing their riding skills and engaging in a spirited match of polo. The stables were already at full capacity, with some horses tethered outside due to theck of space.


    However, the mounts belonging to the three princes and Ryan were kept under close guard. No one was permitted near them, lest some treachery be attempted. Their feed had been thoroughly inspected too.


    Victoria had seen to these precautions well in advance. Though she had note in person, she had sent Keith to oversee every detail.


    Meanwhile, Carissa led soldiers from the Capital Guard and Royal Guard in conducting a thorough security sweep. The racetrack consisted of a dry, yellowed field, while the adjacent sandy terrain had been designated for polo. Though the three princes would not be participating in the polo match, the area was still checked just in case.


    Seated within the main hall, Salvador received the well wishes of the court officials and epted their gifts. He had little taste for extravagance, the gifts presented were not


    particrly expensive but covers


    with thought and care.


    If he had any particr fondness, it was for calligraphy and painting, which was why Kyle''s gift—a grandndscape painting with the sun rising high, creating a grand and majestic scene-was his favourite of the lot.


    Salvador studied it for a long while, his admiration only growing the more he looked at it. He couldn''t praise Kyle''s artistry enough, even inviting the assembled ministers to step forward and appreciate the piece for themselves.


    The artists who resided in the pce hade along today as well. After seeing thendscape painting, they couldn''t help but admit its excellence, raising their thumbs in silent acknowledgment of its superiority.


    Rafael stood by and watched too, but he had seen this painting before. It was Kyle''s most recent work,


    which he had worked on for ovamet


    three months. At first sight, it had astonished Rafael. Even now upon a second viewing, it still left him in awe.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!