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."

looked up in surprise. "Huh? That handkerchief was the token

thought it was something given to him when she was a

"Yes."

there were so many things that could have been given. Why choose

was

a token? When Carissa saw it in the

the battlefield, never parting with it even after learning

it was still

in her eyes. "Because it was the first embroidery you ever did, and you did such a wonderful job on it. Your

still couldn't resist eating eagerly as she

yet I can

and Prince Rafael will share

sorry for the bride being so

early. But His Highness is considerate of you, allowing you to return and rest early. After you eat, we'll help you with