Her Graceful War Song

After leaving Willowbrook Estate, Carissa felt a weight ift from her chest.

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The concubines and daughters in Harmony Palace had become an unbearable mountain of guilt pressing down on her, Carissa knew all too well why those women had been imprisoned in Harmony Palace, and she knew their misery was Eleanor’s doing. Though Cnossa refused to take on any blame for her parents‘ actions, she couldn’t shake the deep sadness she felt.

Seeing those women, hollow–eyed and trembling at the slightest sound, had been heart–wrenching. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Meeting Chaya had been a small balm, a fleeting comfort like a colorful bubble glistening in the sun- beautiful yet fragile, and once popped, only the dark reality remained.

As the night wind whipped at the carriage curtains, Rafael wrapped an arm around Carissa. Neither spoke. Each was lost in thought, yet thinking about the same thing.

Eleanor’s recent actions had rattled Yuvan, making him recoll once more. Now, he would be thinking of

and the ways to get out of the capital. But he wouldn’t dare make a move just yet, not with Ruth still ill treason case unresolved.

Salvador’s decision to delay closing the case was wise. So long as it remained open and Eleanor was alive, Yuvan would be left in a state of restless fear. It might only last a year or so before he had to choose -to either give up his ambitions entirely or stake everything in a final gambit.

Yuvan had once had a golden opportunity, but was too greedy, wanting both the throne and a clean reputation. Perhaps he never believed that the Southern Frontier could truly be reclaimed or that Sandoria wouldn’t try to fight back this time.

As Rafael and Carissa’s thoughts converged, they spoke in unison, “For now, Yuvan will have to stick to the shadows.”

The couple exchanged a smile–being married had really brought them closer.

“His Majesty must still suspect him,” Rafael murmured

“These days, His Majesty suspects everyone. But it’s clear that Yuvan is his main target,” said Carissa.

“Are you going to the Quinton family’s residence tomorrow, or will you just send Michael?” Rafael asked. “Since it’s the queen’s family and with the late king’s teacher involved, sending only Michael wouldn’t be proper. I’ll go myself. I don’t have to say much. I just need to ask a few pointed questions,” she said.

Recalling the actions of the Duke of Oakspire’s family, Rafael replied, “I’ll go with you tomorrow. It’s a rest day, so Lord Quinton should be home. I’ll speak to him personally. Lord Quinton usually takes his family out on his days off, so I’ll send someone ahead to notify him.”

“Alright,” Carissa agreed readily.

She didn’t want to waste time waiting outside for an hour, let alone face a barrage of unhappy expressions. Besides, with Kiera married to Logan, Carissa didn’t want to strain relations. If Rafael accompanied her, Malcolm would get the message loud and clear–he was meant to handle this personally. After all, this wasn’t a matter that should be exposed to the public.

*25 BONUS

After word spread that Carissa had visited Oakspire Ente with the Capital Guard, the Quinton family. anticipated that they were likely next on the lint. By evening, someone from Hell Monarch Estate arrived at the Quintoh family’s residence, notifying that Carisse would be paying Malcolm a visit at around nine in the moming.

When a servant relayed this to Malcolm, he frowned. “They asked for me by name? So, I’m supposed to wait around for her?”

“Yes, sir, that’s what they specified,” the servant confirmed.

Malcolm was annoyed. The fact that they had specifically ested for him to wait but hadn’t sent any formal notice clearly indicated that the visit was related to the treason case.

“Fine, pass along the word–if the princess consort arrives with the Capital Guard, don’t obstruct them. Let them in, but have Mark handle it. No one else needs to make an appearance.”

The servant bowed. “Understood, sir!”

The next morning, Malcolm left early with his wife, planning to avoid the confrontation altogether.

Just as Rafael and Carissa were about to depart, a message arrived from Salvador, summoning Carissa to the palace. With his wife occupied, Rafael took Jacob with him to the Quinton family’s residence. When they arrived, the Quinton family’s steward, Mark, was dumbfounded.

Why was the Hell Monarch at the door when the master of the household was conveniently “out“?! Mark didn’t dare to inform Rafael that Malcolm had gone out. After all, someone from Hell Monarch Estate had sent word last night that Malcolm should wait for their visit.

So, Mark hurriedly called the men of the Quinton family to greet the prince while also sending someone to find Malcolm and bring him back.