Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Rafael continued to put food on her plate, but he avoided answering her question. Carissa suppressed her curiosity. After all, it wasn't a particularly important matter.

He smiled, and deflected by saying, "After Grand Princess Eleanor's birthday banquet today, I'm sure there will be many new topics among the noble families in the capital."

Carissa gave him a playful glare. "Yes, many noble ladies will have their hearts broken. When Lady Helen announced our engagement, many looked at me with disdain."

"There will be many who envy and resent me," Rafael said meaningfully.

At least Barrett would regret it. Even Salvador had been moved as well.

"Not really. Who would want a woman who has been divorced?" Carissa said.

Rafael tapped her forehead lightly with the end of his spoon. "You're about to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort. Are you still belittling yourself?"

"Such is the way of the world." She tapped him back playfully, then quickly moved away, smiling. "I'm not belittling myself. I know how outstanding I am."

with light shining in her eyes, touched Rafel deeply. Even if her happiness was partly a facade, her willingness

lingered in her eyes when she first arrived at the Southern

pain. He was forced to marry someone he didn't love due to royal edict, while his true love was married

she had

felt they had grown closer. It seemed that after their marriage, they would be able to respect each other as friends. The next day, officials from the Protocol Department and Trevor accompanied Rafael to Northwatch Estate as he

Northwatch Estate, where they began the traditional courtship rituals, including the proposal, astrological signs inquiry, gift presentation, and setting the

greatly pleased Theodore. He felt assured that Rafael was genuinely intent on

was also marrying into the royal family. This would surely make those who had looked down on her and her family rethink their

the almanac, he declared, "They're a match made in

Rafael decided to set the wedding

fast. The twenty-fourth of December is a good day. Although the preparation time is a bit rushed, it can

be conducted with proper ceremony. He asked Theodore and Carissa for their opinions, and once

to Carissa, Rafael asked, "I still need to visit Meadow Ridge personally to ask for your master's consent. Do