The next morning, Rafael announced Connor''s death, leaving the entire court in shock and mourning.


    "His Majesty is ovee with grief and has fallen ill. For the next few days, matters regarding the kingdom will be handled by myself and Mr. Murray. The arrangements for Prince Connor''s funeral will be overseen by the Royal Management Department and the Protocol Department," Rafael said solemnly.


    Malcolm staggered, barely keeping his bnce. His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night. Even though he had mentally prepared himself, the news still hit him hard.


    The news reached the inner pce at the same time. Since returningst night, Kylie had been wailing inconsbly, demanding to see Connor. Upon hearing the dreadful news, she fainted once more. Thankfully, a royal physician had been stationed at Everspring Pce and was able to revive her.


    Once the queen was conscious again, her screams echoed throughout the entire area.


    At Iridescent Pce, Grace felt a mix of relief and worry upon hearing the news. Relief-because her n had finally seeded, leaving no trace that could lead back to her or her son.


    Worry-because ever since Caden returned from the royal garden yesterday, he hadn''t eaten or drunk a single drop of water. He seemedpletely dazed, and was unresponsive to anyone calling him. His eyes were vacant as if he had lost himself.


    A royal physician said Caden was in shock, and would recover gradually with some calming herbs. However, the calming medicine couldn''t be administered as Caden refused to open his mouth.


    The older maids in the pce whispered that his soul had been frightened out of him and only a high priest''s blessing could call it back.


    Grace had no faith in such superstitions. Besides, with Connor now gone, summoning a high priest to Iridescent Pce would surely raise suspicion.


    Wouldn''t that be an admission of guilt in itself?


    So, she dared not act. She could only wait and watch.


    Next, there would undoubtedly be an investigation into Laurel Pce. Neither Sylvia nor Cecil would be able to escape their fate.


    At Laurel Pce, Sylvia had not closed her eyes all night. Upon hearing the news of Connor''s death, her blood ran cold. Since returning from the royal gardens the previous day, she had felt a heavy sense of impending doom.


    Sylvia had already questioned Cecil about the matter of the caltrop.


    The young boy had confessed the caltrop was his, though he had no idea how it ended up beneath the saddle. Knowing the caltrop had injured the horse and caused Connor''s fall, Cecil wept bitterly, repeatedly saying it was his fault.


    Sylvia had also asked if he had touched Connor''s horse before the event. He told her he had ridden every horse, including Connor''s.


    At this point, Sylvia could no longer press her son for further details. She understood it was a trap that had been cleverlyid out. No matter how skilled the investigators were, all signs would point to her and Cecil.


    Had it been another time, she might have been able to fight for her own innocence. But now, she had a past charge of conspiring against a royal heir, and there was also the matter of her open conflict with Kylie. She had even fallen out of favor with the king.


    No one would believe her if she imed to be innocent.


    After being moved to Laurel Pce, many of her former confidants had been dismissed. The only one left by her side was Heidi, a maid she had never been particrly fond of Yet, after spending their days together in Laurel Pce, the clever and loyal Heidi had done everything to lift Sylvia''s spirits. Over time, a bond had formed between them.


    Now, the maid knelt and wept. "Your Grace, let all the me fall on me. I am but


    an orphan and thest of my family. I do not fear death."


    Sylvia gazed at her with a soft sigh. "Get up. This is not something you can bear. I have fallen into a trap; there is no way out. I am doomed to die, and can only hope that my death will protect Phoebe and Cecil."


    "Your Grace, I''ve heard that Lady Carissa has been called to investigate. Perhaps the truth can be uncovered. Please do not lose hope," Heidi pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation.


    "It''s useless." Sylvia pressed her hand to her forehead. She was draped in a white fox fur, but her appearance was one of weariness and despair. "Heidi, people may act, but the heavens watch. Retribution is inevitable. I have harmed others and spilled blood. There is no way to escape unscathed."


    Sylvia knew she was not apassionate person, but the incident with Jete was the first time she had harmed a child. She regretted it, but what did it matter?


    The deed was done. Regret was pointless.


    Of course, Sylvia could wait for Carissa''s investigation. But based on the information Sylvia had, even if the investigation proceeded, it would only confirm that Cecil had ced the caltrop beneath the saddle.


    Once everything was out in the open, she would have no way of protecting Cecil anymore.


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