Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

In the bathing chamber, Rafael's nightwear had already been laid out. It was blue, made from a comfortable fabric with only subtle cloud patterns, matching the nightwear Carissa was about to change into in both color and style.

It wasn't entirely without embroidery, though. The cuffs featured some stitching: one sleeve bore the words "eternal harmony," while the other sleeve had "blessing of a child," symbolizing good wishes. Rafael had bathed and groomed himself the previous night, knowing that this evening might extend late into the night.

When he emerged from the bathing chamber, dressed in the blue nightwear, he looked both clean and handsome. After spending some time in the capital, his complexion had become notably fairer. Carissa remembered meeting him on the battlefield. Back then, his face had been covered in a rugged beard, and he looked as unkempt as one could possibly be. It was hard to imagine that the man before her now was the same person.

The candles cast a warm glow on the white wedding quilt, and the draped curtains added to the cozy atmosphere.

As Rafael gently led Carissa by the hand toward the big bed, her heart raced and her palms grew sweaty. She had never been so nervous around anyone in her life.

What she didn't know was that Rafael was even more anxious.

He felt an overwhelming urge to grab everyone by the collar and shout, "Have you ever waited years to marry the girl of your dreams, only to have her marry someone else? And just when you're about to give up hope, she gets a divorce and comes back to you, and tonight, you finally get to marry her?"

Was there anyone who could truly understand his excitement and joy?

Anyone at all?!

In his overwhelming emotion, he accidentally stepped on the long hem of her gown. Carissa stumbled forward, but he quickly caught her.

"I'm sorry!"

form in his arms, Rafael felt

was crashing through his chest again and again. Everything around him seemed

on the bed, with Carissa's trembling,

face flushed bright red. The front of his nightwear was partially open, exposing his chest. Her nervousness was clear as her hands fumbled, unsure where to

he taking

herself? So, the usual sequence would be for him to initiate the embrace, then for her to undress him,

Right?

had removed his clothing, what should

and her ears burned. She

moved her gaze to his face, tilting her head slightly as if to

That adorable, innocent expression...

couldn't tell if it was the effect of the alcohol or his emotions, but

lips touched, any remaining shred of rationality dissolved, and the spinning sensation returned, overtaking him once

such force that his solid, iron-like chest made it almost impossible for her to catch her breath. But perhaps the real reason she was gasping for

a puppy, just nuzzling