Her Graceful War Song

Still on her knees, Carissa felt like a lifetime had passed before she heard Salvador's soft sigh, followed by a quiet chuckle.

"You little fool. Why are you throwing a tantrum?" he said.

A sense of relief washed over Carissa.

At first, anger and frustration had driven her to speak recklessly. After that, what she said was more of a gamble. But deep down, she had been scared. She couldn't imagine how ruthless a king, whose life was nearly at an end, could be when he became cold-hearted.

But when he asked that question, nothing she said could have changed anything. Her only option was to throw a fit, raise her voice, and make a scene.

Perhaps, just perhaps, it might work.

"Get up," Salvador instructed in a softer tone.

A faint smile touched his thin, pallid face. "You're just the same as you were as a child. Always so proud, never willing to let anything slide. I barely asked you a question and you turned it into a scolding. I can't do a thing with you."

He looked at her, his gaze deep and weary. "Tell me, why argue with a man who's almost dead? Are you not afraid I'll tell Nathan you've been picking on me? Don't forget, once upon a time, you used to see me as an elder brother. And I am still your elder brother now."

Carissa turned her head, tears welling up despite herself.

Now, he called himself an elder brother.

"Your Grace, please, get up," Derek cut in, making a motion to help her.

Carissa rose, quickly wiping away her tears.

Salvador groaned in pain, his suffering becoming unbearable. He raised a hand, signaling her to leave. Moments later, he called for Desmond.

The muffled sounds of his pain filled the space as Carissa stood there, rooted for a long while before finally turning to leave. Her feelings for the king were tangled. Sometimes, he felt like both a ruler and a brother, but at other times, she found him particularly detestable.

Didn't he feel awkward about it?

Perhaps after Sebastian's treatment, there would be a conversation between Salvador and Rafael. At this point, Carissa hoped the two brothers could be open with each other without hiding anything-it was too painful.

When she arrived at Serenity Palace, Keith personally greeted her.noveldrama

"Your Grace, you've come just in time. Please, join Her Majesty for breakfast and try to comfort her," he said, his voice breaking.

Carissa paused in surprise. "It's already late. She hasn't had breakfast yet?"

"Not just breakfast. She didn't eat last night either," Keith replied with a weary smile.

Quickly entering the palace, Carissa saw Victoria leaning against a soft cushion, her head wrapped in a yellow embroidered headband,

looking weary and worn out. As net

Carissa approached and curtseyed, the queen dowager gave a faint, strained smile and patted the space next to her.

"No need for formalities. Why are you here at this time? Come to steal a moment of peace from me, have you? Have a seat."

Carissa moved to sit, gently asking, "Are you feeling any better?"

"Much better." Victoria sighed, her hand resting on her forehead. "I suppose age has caught up with me. A little cold, and now I'm all aches and pains. I've made all of you worry for nothing."

"Your health and wellbeing are a blessing to us younger ones," Carissa replied.

"I'll take better care of myself, don't worry," Victoria reassured her.

Carissa glanced up at Keith, smiling as she said, "I left early this morning and haven't had breakfast yet. I wonder if Serenity Palace has any leftovers left to fill my stomach?"

Keith immediately shook his head. "How could I allow you to settle for leftovers, Your Grace? Since Her Majesty hasn't eaten yet, why not join her for a meal?"

Without waiting for a response, he excused himself and left the room.

Victoria usually had a light breakfast. Since she hadn't eaten the night before, the cooks had already prepared a pot of simple

porridge made with sweet potaton et

and millet, along with a few savory side dishes. As Carissa was present, two plates of freshly steamed honeyed cakes with dried fruits were also served.

Carissa watched as the queen dowager took only a few bites of porridge and some side dishes before putting down her cutlery. She simply couldn't eat more. A cup of herbal infusions was brought to her instead.

With a reassuring smile, Carissa said, "Raf has already gone to fetch Sebastian. Don't worry too much." Victoria blinked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "If Sebastian does his best and puts his heart into it, perhaps His Majesty can live a little longer."

It wasn't as if she hadn't considered

asking Sebastian herself, but what happened with Sigmund previously made her hesitant. She feared Sebastian might come, but out of reluctance. In that case, he wouldn't give his full effort, and it would be pointless.