Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1287

Rafael leaned back against the soft cushions, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from

his body.

Ever since returning from the Southern Frontier and relinquishing his command, Salvador continued to regard

him with suspicion. Rafael could choose not to care. If sthings were restricted, he would find other ways to

achieve his goals.

He held back to avoid further widening the gap between him and his brother. It wasn't until the

negotiations with Westhaven that he becmore proactive. But even after that, he knew when to step back

again.

Rafael only hoped that if war did come, Salvador might doubt him less.

"He knows that Sandoria's return this tis likely tied to traitors within the Southern Frontier who've helped

them prepare for this attack. Yet, he still believes that | am more of a threat to him than Sandoria's armies at our

doorstep," said Rafael, laughing bitterly as he drained the last of his wine.

Carissa's gaze darkened. "This isn't the first the's done this."

Rafael pulled her into his embrace, his fingers gently combing through her hair as he remembered the last time

such a thing had happened. How suffocating that situation had felt.

As he sat here alone tonight, drinking to dull the ache, he found himself repeatedly mulling over the same

question would he be condemned to live in this suffocating situation forever?

"I won't let the stragedy repeat itself," Rafael said, pulling away from Carissa slightly and fixing her with a

cold, determined stare. "I should learn from you."

He thought back to the twhen Carissa had entered the palace with critical intelligence, only to be rejected by

Salvador. Rather than waiting idly or stepping aside, she had single-handedly gone to the Southern Frontier to

find Rafael. At that moment, she had placed her life in jeopardy, disregarding the

consequences.

Their hearts were in sync, and Carissa understood his meaning instantly.

She nodded firmly. "I support you. Go ahead. If His Majesty remains silent, | will stay here in the capital. But if he

moves against you, I'll scatter the people in Hell Monarch Estate and help them escape."

A sense of clarity washed over her as she spoke, a plan forming in her mind. She had always been the

one to hesitate, the one unsure of the consequences. But now that she had voiced her support, she would be his

strongest pillar. With that, he no longer needed to fear any consequences.

"Tomorrow, go to Arcane Sanctum and ask Sebastian if there's any medicine that might cause a change in pulse

after consumption. If so, I'll take it, and then you can immediately call for a royal physician," Rafael instructed.

"Got it," Carissa said, nodding firmly.

Rafael's large hand gently cupped her cheek, his rough fingers brushing over her lips. "I won't let the same

tragedy repeat itself."

Carissa's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Good!"

The past most likely still haunted him.

But things were different back then. At that time, the Hell Monarch Army wasn't at the Southern Frontier. If Rafael

wanted to lead them there, it couldn't be done without anyone noticing, and it wasn't a matter that involved just

him, it also involved 100,000 soldiers from the Hell Monarch Army.

Right now, he could pretend to be sick and buy stime. Even if Salvador wanted to punish him when

he arrived at the Southern Frontier, it would have to wait until he returned victorious.

If the punishment that awaited him was death, Carissa would face it with him.

The following day, she made her way to Arcane Sanctum herself. As soon as Sebastian heard her question, he

knew exactly what she intended.

"This is too dangerous. It's not worth it," he commented as he led her into the back room, his expression somber.

"It's worth it," Carissa replied with fierce conviction, her eyes shining. "For the Southern Frontier, it's worth it."

Sebastian sighed. "The consequences are too severe. Even if Prince Rafael returns victorious and isn't punished,

His Majesty will find a way to get rid of him."

"I know," she replied quietly. "He doesn't have an official edict and he's not a marshal, but he can still take the

lead. That, alone, is a threat to the king. His Majesty won't kill him outright, but he'll make sure he is removed,

one way or another."

"Then, why let him go? What about the dukedom? What about Ryan?" Sebastian asked, his voice tight with

frustration.

"I'll make sure Ryan is taken care of." Carissa took a deep breath. "There's nothing really left of the duke's

household anyway."

"Ryan isn't the only one left of the Sinclair family," Sebastian reminded.

"His Majesty won't hold it against them. As long as he acknowledges the contributions of my dad and brothers,

he won't touch the Sinclair family. Ryan might not even be in danger."

Sebastian shook his head. "The king's heart is unpredictable. | can't let you two take such a risk. Why should

you? Tand again, he's willing to throw away his own throne, and yet you expect others to risk their necks for

him?"

"We're not doing this for his throne," Carissa said, shaking Sebastian's arm gently. "Help us just this once. |

believe my dad would support this decision if he were still alive."

Sebastian fell silent for a long moment, clearly weighing her words. He thought about his late friend's character

and whether Hector would have supported this choice.

The answer cswiftly: he would have, without a doubt. He had never concerned himself with the

question of what was 'worth it' or not. As a soldier, his duty was to protect the kingdom, even at the cost of his

life.