Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 172

Leaving an unmarried man and woman alone in a room was inappropriate. Frederick would normally insist on having several attendants present for propriety's sake.

However, with Rafael being addressed as Marshal and Carissa as General Sinclair, Frederick assumed their discussion would revolve around military matters, which weren't for his ears. After serving a pot of tea, Frederick promptly cleared the room and closed the door, instructing that no one should approach.

Rafael held his cup, his long fingers traci the floral design on its surface, his expression solemn.

After a moment of silence, seeing he had not yet spoken, Carissa looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Marshal, is this about the Southern Frontier battlefield...?"

"Not at all," Rafael interrupted, taking a sip of tea before setting the cup down. "I'm here today for personal matters, not military ones."

Carissa's eyebrows lifted in surprise.

Personal matters? What could there be to discuss between her and Rafael if not military matters?

Rafael looked at her, and asked, "The king has given you a three-month deadline to marry. Otherwise, you will have to enter the palace as a concubine. Correct?"

Carissa wasn't surprised that he knew about this, so she simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Do you want to enter the palace and become a concubine?" Rafael asked bluntly.

face. "Did His Majesty

asking

his clear, unwavering gaze and slowly shook her head. No, I

then inquired, "Is there someone you

closely, noting every subtle change in her

replied firmly,

person you

"None."

but hearing her admit she had no feelings for any man at all was like a sharp sting

pain, but bearable, given that her indifference wasn't directed

help me resolve this issue?" Rafael was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on her. “I like you and wish to marry

Crash!

cup in Carissa's hand toppled over, shattering into pieces on the floor. She stared at Rafael in astonishment. "Marshal, this isn't

the water from her dress. Normally composed, she was now somewhat

* 15 BONUS

when I was about seven. Even if you visit Meadow Ridge every year,

I've recovered the Southern Frontier, and the king wants to grant me a marriage. My sister-in-law showed me the portraits of several young women, but none of them were to my liking. Then I happened to hear from my

don't want to enter the palace, and I don't want a wife forced onto me. Isn't this a perfect. coincidence? If we marry, it will solve our immediate problems. Should you later find someone you

women, why didn't the queen and Lady Helene continue their search?

offered a faint,