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Chapter 343
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 344
In the bathing chamber, Rafael's nightwear had already been laid out. It was blue, made from a comfortable fabric with only subtle cloud patterns, matching the nightwear Carissa was about to change into in both color and style.It wasn't entirely without embroidery, though. The cuffs featured some stitching: one sleeve bore the words "eternal harmony," while the other sleeve had "blessing of a child," symbolizing good wishes.Rafael had bathed and groomed himself the previous night, knowing that this evening might extend late into the night.When he emerged from the bathing chamber, dressed in the blue nightwear, he looked both clean and handsome. After spending some time in the capital, his complexion had become notably fairer.Carissa remembered meeting him on the battlefield. Back then, his face had been covered in a rugged beard, and he looked as unkempt as one could possibly be. It was hard to imagine that the man before her now was the same person.The candles cast a warm gl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 345
At around seven in the morning, Lily knocked on the door from outside. The inner and outer rooms were separated by a curtain, with the door to the bedroom in the outer area.Hearing the knock, Rafael and Carissa both opened their eyes and sat up almost simultaneously. Both were naturally alert.Carissa glanced at Rafael, noting he was without clothing, and suddenly realized she was in the same state. She quickly grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around herself. Her face flushed hotly and she assumed she was blushing.Recalling the previous night's events, Rafael felt he had not performed very well. He wasn't quite comfortable meeting his wife's gaze directly, and was still getting used to the intimacy they shared. So, he quickly grabbed his nightclothes and hid under the covers to put them on.Once dressed, he cleared his throat and said, "I'll get up first. You… you should put on your nightclothes, then call someone in to help you change."Why did this feel so awkward? He didn't
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 346
Rafael needed to wear formal court attire, but he couldn't manage it on his own—it was simply too complicated. In the end, he took the attire out to the outer room and called for Luke and a servant to help him dress.He wore a crown and a green outfit with griffin patterns embroidered on the shoulders. His waist was bound with a blue sash, and on either side of his waist hung emerald pendants decorated with gold-etched cloud and griffin patterns, threaded with emerald beads. The pendants were fastened with golden hooks and secured with four-colored ribbons.The grand sash was woven in red, white, azure, and green. Rafael's tall, slender frame made him appear even more imposing and dignified in this luxurious attire.Carissa still needed to lightly brush her eyebrows and apply a touch of powder. Even with her naturally stunning beauty, it wouldn't do to face the day without any makeup. Once she was fully dressed and groomed, Carissa was escorted out by Lily, Lulu, and her other att
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 347
The scene before Helen was truly pleasing to the eye. Her son was handsome, and Carissa was beautiful. Both of them exuded a cold, imposing aura—a true match as husband and wife.Just a moment ago, Gillian had rushed in to report that it had been confirmed Carissa was indeed chaste, and that she had only consummated her marriage with Rafael the previous night.Helen was quite satisfied with this news, though her satisfaction was limited to the fact that Carissa was pure. As for this being Carissa's second marriage, she hadn't fully come to terms with it yet.Helen sat upright, her demeanor proud, and her gaze carried an air of authority.Suppressing his anger, Rafael led Carissa forward by the hand. They knelt down, and bowed their heads in greeting.Gillian, holding a tray, stood to the side and spoke. "The new bride offers a toast to Lady Helen!" Carissa took the cup, respectfully offering it to Helen with both hands. "Mother, please have some wine."Helen waited for a mome
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 348
Carissa smiled, though she was nearly grinding her teeth.Still, she maintained a gentle tone as she agreed with her mother-in-law."You're right, Mother. Business does have its ups and downs. Oh, by the way… Do you and Grand Princess Eleanor split the profits of the jewelry shop evenly? Did you sign a contract? And since it opened, have you reviewed the account books?"Helen puffed up with pride, like a peacock. "Of course we signed a contract! Do you take me for a fool? It's not an even split—I've taken seventy percent. Naturally, I've looked at the account books. They send them every season, and I've checked them thoroughly. We've indeed been running at a loss.""Oh? So, you hold the majority share? That means when there's a loss, you have to contribute more money to cover it. How much money have you put in over the years? Have you been keeping track?" Carissa pressed. "Of course I've kept track. Every time I put in money, I note it down," Helen said.Good, that was a start.
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 349
The queen dowager had sharp eyes—she immediately noticed her younger sister's discontent. After Rafael and Carissa went to greet the king and queen, Victoria held back Helen and Gillian for a private conversation.She first addressed Gillian. "Now that you've left the palace and entered the household, things are different. Social interactions are inevitable, and any misstep in words or deeds could bring trouble to Rafael's reputation. So, you must be even more careful in your conduct, with no room for error. "Your mistress was raised by you and has been spoiled by you, but if you notice anything amiss in the future, you must speak up immediately. If she intends to do something inappropriate, you must persuade her otherwise. Do you understand?""Yes, Your Majesty, I understand," Gillian replied respectfully.However, Helen pouted. "Victoria, what could I possibly do wrong? Besides, I'll be managing the household affairs from now on, with Gillian and Luke assisting me, and Jacob
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 350
The king and queen received Rafael and Carissa in the Great Hall.After the formalities and greetings, Salvador granted them seats. Kylie glanced at Carissa, who was adorned with simple, elegant makeup, and let out a slight sigh of relief. At least everything was settled.Had Carissa truly entered the palace, the harem might have become her domain. Her stunning and ethereal beauty was unmatched by any of the palace concubines.Instinctively, Kylie looked toward Salvador; she saw that he, too, was gazing at Carissa. A tightness gripped her heart—she was all too familiar with that look. Whenever Salvador was drawn to a woman, there was always a trace of lingering fascination in his gaze.Once again, Kylie felt a sense of relief that Carissa had married Rafael. Kylie remembered how Salvador's edict had kept her awake for nights on end. Any other woman might have been fine, but Carissa was different—her fallen brothers and father held significant weight in Salvador's heart, and her
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 351
Kylie was truly at her wit's end. As Dakota's son, Kendrick, had married someone from the Quinton family, Helen was also keen on marrying Kiera to the same family. Victoria had tacitly agreed. Salvador, being devoted to his mother, would certainly heed her advice.However, among the Quinton family men, only Logan was uninterested in scholarly pursuits. He spent his days idly walking dogs and playing with cats, while the rest dedicated themselves to rigorous study, striving for a place in the court. Particularly, Kylie's fifth brother, Marcus, had devoted himself to intense study from a young age, aiming for top honors. If he were to marry Kiera and become a mere idle nobleman like Henry, what would be the point of his efforts?Kylie knew she couldn't interfere directly in Kiera's marriage arrangements, so she sought Carissa's help. She had expected Carissa to be reluctant, but Carissa's final words had shown her intentions clearly. Kylie felt a deep sense of gratitude."If
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1555
While Kylie was still fervently attempting to bring Cecil to Everspring Palace, Carissa arrived."I have long been waiting for you to ask me whether Prince Connor said anything before he passed, Your Majesty. Yet, you never did," she said, looking at the queen.Kylie sharply turned her head toward her, her expression filled with resistance. "There is no need to speak of it. He would have blamed me, for he was always angry with me.""On the contrary, he said that he loved you very much," Carissa replied.A bitter smile curled on Kylie's lips. She clearly didn't believe Carissa's words."He is gone. Why would you make up such things to make me sad?" she said.Carissa looked at the clear finger marks on Kylie's face and her swollen, red eyes. The pain of losing her son should have been a wound to the soul itself, yet here she was, scheming to bring Cecil to her side.Was it for revenge? Or was she trying to secure leverage, pushing Cecil to become the crown prince and crushing Grac
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1554
Victoria couldn't hold back her tears upon hearing those words. Connor was a dutiful child, and it was unfortunate that Kylie remained blind to that.Night had fully fallen by the time they set off.Kyle and Isaac, accompanied by Sebastian's apprentices, escorted them. The journey had been well-prepared by Rafael. The carriage wheels had been altered, and several layers of soft padding had been laid inside.Sebastian had also ensured that Connor's injuries were properly secured, wrapping him in several layers. Each layer was padded with cotton, both to keep him warm and to reduce the damage from the bumps during the journey.The bitter cold had driven everyone indoors, leaving the streets deserted. Snow fell in a steady, gentle stream, blanketing the cobblestones in a thin layer of frost. The carriage wheels crunched over the icy coating, the soft sound a contrast to the stillness of the night.Salvador watched for a long time, well past the point when the convoy had disappeared f
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1553
Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1552
Keith sighed. "Lady Sylvia, surely Prince Cecil must be allowed to speak for himself. Even if he is innocent, it should be him who says so.""There's no need for him to speak. What I say is the truth," Sylvia declared firmly.Her gaze shifted to Carissa, her eyes glinting with an icy, cutting hostility. "I know what you seek, Lady Carissa. You wish to satisfy your duty and claim merits. And since I have never treated you kindly, you will believe that Cecil and I are guilty, even when the evidence is not so clear. But I won't allow you to succeed. I won't allow you to harm my son. I will make my stand with my own life, if necessary."As soon as Sylvia finished speaking, she reached for the scissors on the table. With a swift, deliberate motion, she plunged it into her own throat.Carissa had already been on alert, but she didn't expect the concubine's actions to be so immediate and without any hesitation. By the time she reached Sylvia, the woman had already removed the scissors, an
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1551
By the time they arrived at Laurel Palace, the sky had darkened.Laurel Palace stood in an isolated corner of the palace district, separated from the Cold Palace by only a single wall. The bitter wind howled through the trees, its wailing like the cries of restless spirits.As Carissa led Victoria's head chamberlain, Keith, along the narrow path, she took note of the wild grass lining the way. Most of it was dry and brittle, with only the occasional pale green shoot clinging to life. Winter in the north was unforgiving. It allowed no sign of growth, just as the abandoned Cold Palace permitted no trace of hope.Ordinarily, Keith did not accompany Carissa on visits to the other residences. But this time, at Victoria's command, he had insisted on following her to Sylvia's chambers. Carissa understood the queen dowager's reasoning. Keith had served by her side the longest—if there was scheming afoot in the harem, none could decipher it better than he.It seemed Sylvia had been waiting
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1550
Grace seemed momentarily taken aback, her grip tightening on the handkerchief. "What is it, Your Grace? Do not hesitate to speak plainly.""Not long ago, the harem was abuzz with rumors. First, it was said that Lady Sylvia was responsible for Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. Then, the rumor shifted, claiming it was Queen Kylie. You've overseen the harem for so long, Lady Grace. You must have some idea of where these rumors originated and who might have spread them, yes?" Carissa asked.Caught off guard by the question, Grace's sorrowful expression stiffened for a moment as she exchanged a furtive glance with Lyra. But she quickly masked the slip and regained her composure."The palace has always been rife with gossip. There is no need to dwell on such matters. Perhaps you might focus on the investigation into Prince Connor's murder, Your Grace?" she replied."The queen dowager has ordered me to investigate thoroughly, starting from Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. So, while the case of Pri
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1549
Carissa paid a visit to Jeanette.Though the concubine did not explicitly say that Sylvia was responsible for the loss of her child, she did remark, "Those who commit wicked deeds will always face retribution. No one can escape it."The words seemed not only directed at Sylvia, but also at Kylie.As Carissa prepared to leave after questioning her, Jeanette suddenly spoke up, asking, "Your Grace, was it truly impossible to save Prince Connor?"Carissa assumed Jeanette's words were born of sympathy for Connor. But when she glanced at the concubine, she saw no trace of sorrow in her eyes, only a subtle glint of something resembling satisfaction.It was an emotion she clearly tried to conceal but could not, as though Jeanette had achieved a long-sought revenge. Carissa chose not to respond, instead turning on her heel to leave.Kylie had caused Jeanette's loss, so it was no surprise that she wouldn't wish for Connor's recovery.Carissa couldn't fault Jeanette for her feelings. How c
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1548
Kylie had always looked down on Grace.The latter's family lacked distinction, and her beauty could scarcely be considered remarkable. Her rise to the position of higher-ranked concubine seemed nothing more than the result of fortunate circumstances, particularly her giving birth to Caden.Kylie guessed that Grace also must be aware of her limited connections and support, which was why she had long exercised caution and humility. However, there were times when she could not resist harboring a few selfish thoughts. Yet, she dared not plot too aggressively.Such had been the case when Grace had sheltered Jeanette—likely in an attempt to solidify her position and strengthen her influence in the harem by using the other woman as a pawn. Despite Grace's attentions, Jeanette had remained ungrateful, resenting the way she constantly placed Caden in Salvador's presence.Grace always had a habit of making things harder for herself, which was why Kylie had never held her in much regard.Now
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1547
Sitting in front of her vanity table, Sylvia suddenly recalled that the dress she had once asked her mother to order from Camila had been delivered. She had intended to wear it at the New Year's Eve banquet.The dress was a rich shade of sunset yellow, embroidered with delicate camellia flower blossoms. Charming and vivid, the hem of the skirt flowed in graceful waves, the brightness of its color giving it an air of both beauty and refinement.Sylvia asked Heidi to bring the dress over and help her into it. She gazed into the mirror, entranced by her own reflection. While doing so, she noted that although she looked a little haggard, she remained as stunning as ever. Her skin was still pale and smooth, free from the slightest sign of age or fatigue.Her slender, pale fingers traced the intricate embroidery as she murmured softly to herself, "Ms. Moore's needlework is indeed extraordinary. This dress surpasses even the finest dress I own. How truly exquisite."Heidi knelt at her sid
