Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

They waited for nearly an hour, and Leona had lost the strength to cry out in pain. She felt as though she had been pulled from the depths of water, her body drenched in sweat.

Carissa stood by, wiping Leona's forehead with a cloth and murmuring comforting words into her ear. But in her agony, Leona couldn't process any of it. She felt as if she were on the brink of death. She managed to open her eyes with great effort, but they were vacant and hollow. She forced out a pained whisper, "It'd be better...better to just die."

"Don't say such foolish things. Sebastian is almost here," Carissa choked out, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. It was the emotion she feared the most, as it signified her inability to do anything. Tears streamed down Heather's face. "Leona, please listen to me. Don't talk like that. Just hold on a little longer. Listen to your cousin. Sebastian is coming."

Leona could only emit feeble groans, her eyes wide and unseeing. All her remaining strength was devoted to fighting the relentless pain. It felt as if her very insides were being twisted and turned, and she could hardly bear it. Outside the room, Dorothy finally fell silent and felt fear creeping into her heart. She had initially thought that the impact to Leona's belly might just lead to labor, but she never expected the severity of the situation. She wasn't worried about Leona. She was worried that if something happened to Leona, it would implicate Samuel. If the king were to unleash his fury, the Earl of Gracehold's family would likely cease to exist. Samuel's life would likely be forfeit as well.

Realizing this, Dorothy began to tremble. She cast several discreet glances at the nearby servants, signaling them to find someone who could release Samuel and ensure he fled for his life.

The servants understood her intent, and went to gather a few guards to help with Samuel's release. However, Leah caught wind of their plan. With a sharp crack of her whip, she drove them back. "Who dares to set him free? Without Lady Carissa's order, I'll bind anyone who tries!"

Leah knew the people in Gracehold Estate well. Others might hesitate, but that old woman would never allow her grandson to come to harm. If Dorothy sensed even the slightest hint of danger, she would see to it that he escaped. So Leah stood guard, determined not to let anyone approach him.

Just when everyone was feeling anxious, Alana rushed in at lightning speed, carrying Sebastian on her back. Sebastian's face was pale.

can walk myself!" he

wasn't on his last legs, so being carried by a

wind, darting straight from the outer room into the delivery room before finally

steadied himself

shot back, "You can scold me later. Right now, we

enter during her labor?" Heather was taken aback and raised her hand to stop Sebastian. "You...

and immediately sensed the gravity of the situation.

"This is a matter of life

death! Are we really going to worry about decorum now? Is it a choice

ruin the duchess' honor! If a woman loses her honor, it's

"Silence!" Carissa shouted. She

Heather aside

used her other to push Abigail away. "Sebastian, please check