Kylie had yet to remove her hairpins, and her makeup was still untouched, her face brimming with quiet anticipation.

Earlier that day, a message had arrived from the court, announcing that the king would visit the harem tonight. She had waited for hours, but had heard no news that he had sent for any concubines. In her heart, she felt a surge of joy.

If no summons had come, it meant he would be visiting her chambers.

"Lydia, go and see if His Majesty has arrived yet," she urged once again, her third time asking that evening.

Lydia was standing to the side. She smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please be patient. If His Majesty was coming, he would surely send word beforehand so you can prepare to receive him."

"Yes, you're right," Kylie sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her temple. "It's been so long since His Majesty visited my palace that I nearly forgot how it goes."

Her smile was soft and alluring.

"We are husband and wife, after all. What couple do not have their quarrels? But in the end, a man cannot resist his wife's charms. Now that Connor has grown, His Majesty is naturally more inclined to indulge him."

"Once His Majesty arrives, Your Majesty must be patient and avoid bringing up the matter of Prince Connor," Lydia cautioned.

Kylie nodded. "I know. Tonight is not the time to discuss it. But Connor must return soon. The royal chancellor has praised him so highly. It's unnecessary for him to remain in Serenity Palace. He can continue his studies here just as well. If he stays there much longer, I fear he will forget all about me." Lydia hesitated, then said carefully, "Your Majesty, Prince Connor has become much more obedient now. Perhaps it would be better to let him stay in Serenity Palace. If His Majesty lifts your house arrest, you will be free to visit him whenever you wish. He is dutiful, and he will never forget you."

Kylie shook her head, sadness passing over her eyes. "He is dutiful, yes, but he is young. And he is easily swayed by others."

Lydia's face shifted. "You must be cautious in your words, Your Majesty. The queen dowager would never do such a thing. She only wishes what's best for Prince Connor."

Kylie looked at her and sighed lightly. "You don't understand. Though the Quinton family is under pressure, they have been in power for many years. Their influence stretches far, and they have many supporters. The queen dowager is most wary of my family interfering in politics.

"Once Connor is crowned heir, she will make sure he distances himself from the Quinton family to prevent them from growing too strong. She sees me as a part of that-an ally to the Quinton family, and she will turn Connor against me. Don't forget, Lydia. The queen dowager has never spared even her own kin Have you ever seen her take any interest in the politics of the court?"

Lydia thought Kylie was overthinking and didn't agree with her view. "Your Majesty, the queen dowager and His Majesty share a deep bond. As a mother, she will understand your desire to see your son succeed. She's not the kind of person who would cruelly separate you from your child. On the contrary, having people spread rumors the queen can't even raise her own son might anger both the king and the queen dowager. It's not worth the risk."

His

Kylie looked at her, her expression cold. "When did you become so timid and weak? You fear this and that-how can anything be accomplished like that? Those words were meant to reach both Majesty and the queen dowager. His Majesty despises rumors. Tsilence the gossip, he will naturally return Prince Connor to me. And tonight, when he didn't send for any concubines, it proves I wasn't

wrong. He is coming to Everspring

Palace." noveldrama

No sooner had Kylie spoken than a servant entered. "Your Majesty, His Majesty has set out for Lady Sylvia's palace."

Kylie sprang to her feet, her face draining of color. "What? He's gone to Lady Sylvia's Palace? Are you certain?"

The servant replied quickly, "Yes, Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes."

Kylie shook her head, feeling a surge of panic in her chest. "Why would he go to Lady Sylvia's palace? He didn't even announce anything. Could it be... He's gone to see Prince Cecil? Yes, that must be it! Prince Cecil is young, and His Majesty would want to check on him. Afterward, he will surely come to Everspring Palace."

But as the hours dragged on and Kylie waited into the night, still Salvador did not come. She sent someone to inquire, only to hear that Salvador had stayed the night at Sylvia's palace.

Kylie had hoped Salvador would visit tonight so she could soften his stance, have her confinement lifted, and regain control over the harem. But now, her confinement remained, and she was still a queen under restriction.