Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

After Lily finished speaking, a maid entered with a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup. Carissa had been hungry moments before, but now, seeing the hot soup, she suddenly lost her appetite. "You should eat. Your mother, watching from above, would be very happy to see you marrying Prince Rafael today. I promise you that," Lily said gently.

Carissa's tears fell into the broth as she held the bowl of soup.

Choking up, she said, "This phoenix crown is so heavy... It's causing me such pain in my neck that I feel like crying."

Trying to hold back her own tears, Lily wiped Carissa's tears away but understood that a new bride could cry if she wished.

"Silly girl, finish your soup, then we'll remove the crown, change your clothes, and help you take a bath. Tonight, there's much celebration outside. Prince Rafael probably won't return to the suite until after midnight."

Carissa took a few spoonfuls of the soup, her sobs softening. "Where's the dagger he sent? Didn't Mom give him a token in return?"

"The dagger was in the duke's armory in Northwatch Estate," Lily said with a smile. "I brought it along and will show it to you tomorrow. Your mother did give him a token in return as well."

Lily's smile widened. "She gave him a handkerchief, saying it was one you had embroidered yourself."

in surprise. "Huh? That

thought it was something given to him when she was

"Yes."

so many things that could have been given. Why

was

Carissa saw it in the command tent back then,

Rafael had carefully kept that handkerchief on the battlefield, never parting with it even after learning that she

was

glistening in her eyes. "Because it was the first embroidery you ever did, and you

couldn't resist eating

yet I can only eat

will share a meal as a married

sorry for the bride being so hungry, the significance

But His Highness is considerate of you, allowing you to return and rest early. After you eat, we'll help you with your bath. The staff from Elegance Atelier will help you