Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Hayden had been granted the title of duke, and lived a relatively comfortable life in his fief.

It wasn't that he desired to return alone to the capital to spend his old age in solitude. He had hoped to have his descendants around him. However, as he grew older, he longed for a return to his roots. It was also partly to show the king that with his presence in the capital, it ensured his children and grandchildren would remain loyal.

Hayden wasn't concerned about his own family, but he had noticed some troubling signs. He feared that ambitious individuals might try to win over the various local princes and dukes. That was why he anxiously returned to the capital and retired, to keep a closer watch on things.

Tonight, he had taken Rafael aside. Hayden wanted to pretend he was drunk to speak his mind-whether as a warning or a hint, it was the most he could do.

Before parting, he patted Rafael on the shoulder. "I must say, I quite like your wife. Bring her to visit me sometimes."

Rafael smiled and replied, "Of course, I will."

"Good. I'll be on my way!" Hayden stroked his beard and laughed heartily as he left, walking steadily and showing no signs of drunkenness.

As Rafael turned, he saw Carissa approaching with Ryan. He went to meet them and, out of habit, took her hand.

"Are you cold?"

so I'm feeling quite warm," Carissa replied. She had only had a few

stay in the palace tonight to keep the

hand while she held onto Ryan. They left the palace and

guests. Since it was New Year's Eve, they planned to

offered their blessings when they all gathered to ring in the New Year. Whoever spoke well would receive a generous handful.

Carissa settled into their home, servants streamed in, offering well-wishes and compliments as they

the hearth, brewing coffee and roasting sweet

greetings satisfactory, he would give a nod and say, "Go to Lady

handful of copper coins to distribute. Seeing this, Ryan found it particularly amusing and declared that he wanted to be in

His declaration drew everyone's

small hands.

hands, while not large, were long and slender, capable of scooping up quite a bit. Ryan's tiny hands, by

one from

was soon reassigned. The task of handing out the

It was delightful to see Carissa receiving blessings, with no time to dwell on unhappy thoughts. Tonight