Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 1485

Kylie's heart sank at the Royal Guard's words. She turned back to the ladies and noblewomen present, noting the questioning and curious glances in their eyes. She forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"Connor is unwell. He'll try again next year."

With that, she signaled Lydia to find out what had happened, then took Connor's hand and led him back to the tent to calm him down.

Connor was consumed by his grievances and cried pitifully, unable to get a word out. All Kylie could make out was, "Everyone's picking on me, even Dad…even Dad…"

Not long after, Lydia returned with the details, relaying them all to Kylie.

Kylie could hardly believe what she was hearing.

She looked down at Connor, whose swollen eyes made him appear even more pitiful. But this time, she didn't feel her usual maternal sympathy.

Instead, she felt cold.

No mother believed her child was truly stupid. Most would think their child simply hadn't tried hard enough. Even if he didn't succeed, she would still say he was clever, just lazy. As long as he tried, he could catch up.

But now, Kylie was beginning to doubt if she had borne a fool.

Her voice was sharp with anger, and she couldn't hold back.

"After all this practice, how can you not even be better than your younger brother? He's three years younger than you, and he managed to hit that mountain rat! But you can't even keep an arrow from falling to the ground? How can you be so stupid, huh?"

At her words, Connor cried even harder.

"Why are you still crying? That's all you do! You're a grown boy, yet you still can't stop sobbing! After all this effort to bring you out here, you've just embarrassed me in front of everyone!" Kylie shrieked.

Connor's cries upset her deeply. In a moment of irritation, she swatted his bottom twice.

"Your Majesty, please lower your voice. There are so many people outside," Lydia quickly intervened.

Kylie pushed Connor away in frustration. Though she lowered her voice, the anger still seeped through. "Everyone is watching him act this foolishly. Who's going to respect him now? And what about the Hell Monarch? Doesn't he care? If Connor can't do it, why isn't anyone guiding or helping him? This was just supposed to be an appearance. Well, now he's shown his face and lost his dignity too!"