Her Graceful War Song

Carissa disliked the idea of involving her dad, especially since whatever Salvador had to say had nothing to do with him.

It seemed unnecessary to invoke Hector's loyalty to the kingdom, as if to pressure her into answering the coming question. But, of course, whether she liked it or not, her feelings were irrelevant in Salvador's

eyes.

Her expression remained composed as she said softly, "You may ask what you wish, Your Majesty. I will listen.

The sharp, biting pain that seemed to pierce his very bones caused Salvador to bypass the usual probing and go straight to the heart of the matter.

"You are the one who knows Rafael best. Do you think that if I die, he-should he become Regent- would kill the future young king and take the throne for himself?"

Carissa's heart sank, the fury rising in her chest like a firestorm. Rafael had survived the brutal battles of the Southern Frontier; he should not be subjected to such flagrant suspicion. Her protective instincts flared, and her tone became icy, her words rapid.

"Your Majesty, I've been married to Rafael for only three years. I hardly claim to know him better than anyone else. Surely, the person who knows him best is you-his elder brother. Do you believe he would do such a thing?"

Salvador's gaze tightened with worry. "You need not be upset. My concern is for the future of Starhaven. As a court official, your duty should align with your dad's loyalty..."

"Your Majesty!" Carissa interrupted him, not caring about the formality or the consequences. "This has nothing to do with my dad. Whatever I say, whatever I do, represents only myself. My dad died on the battlefield in the Southern Frontier, and his legacy will be judged by future generations."

Salvador's brow furrowed in frustration. "Do you even know what you're saying? Are you implying that what you're doing goes against your dad's actions?"

Derek was alarmed and quickly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, please, do not let your anger take hold." Carissa stood and said, "Do you even know what you're saying, Your Majesty? You're not asking me a question you're already passing judgment. You could ask me, or Mr. Murray, or the six department heads. Words have power, Your Majesty, and with a single sentence, you can condemn someone. If you want him dead, it can be as simple as that. There's no need to place a false charge on him."

"How dare you?!" Salvador's fury erupted, his voice thick with anger. "Do you think I need to place a false charge on him? Just for daring to enter the Southern Frontier without permission, I could have him executed!"

"Then do it."

Carissa wiped away her tears, her voice trembling despite her efforts to remain composed. She wasn't the type to cry easily, but she couldn't help it now.

"Pretend he didn't come back from

the Southern Frontier. What was the point? The Southern Frontier was in chaos. He knew full well there would be no glory and that he might lose his head for doing so. But he went anyway, and came back sick. Now, he has to take medicine and remedies daily, and his treatment has no end in sight.

"When he learned of your illness and how you missed court sessions for days, he didn't sleep well for days because he didn't know how you were faring. In his heart, you're not just the king-you're his elder brother. He respects you, loves you, and whenever there's great danger, he's the first to step up.

"And now, you ask me if he would kill the future young king and take the throne after you're gone? If you

can ask that, then in your heart, you've already decided he deserves to die. Fine then! Do it. Kill him, and I'll die with him. Then you'll have no more worries."

Derek hurriedly said, "Your Grace, don't say that! Quickly, beg for His Majesty's forgiveness!"noveldrama

Carissa ignored him and knelt, her face set with a finality that chilled the room. "I ask you, Your Majesty, to grant death to both of us."

Salvador's eyes locked onto her, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths, each one more desperate than the last. His fury shook his voice. "Are you forcing me to do this?"

Carissa's eyes were filled with

sorrow. "He has earned great military accomplishments and possesses the ability to stabilize and protect the kingdom, but he has no ambition for the throne. Despite his talents, he was always destined for a tragic end. If you sentence him to death, I won't blame you, Your Majesty.

"The fault lies with him, for he could not hide his loyalty and devotion, and instead wore his heart on his sleeve, offering it to you as a brother. His death will not be in vain. As his wife, I will share his fate, whether in life or death."

Salvador was struck silent, and he didn't say anything for a long time.

His dull eyes slowly clouded over, and his red-rimmed eyes filled with tears.

Derek trembled all over, his heart racing and unable to calm down.