Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

But Jaina had spent her childhood navigating the world alongside Lucas, and she had learned that human nature was far more complex. She had no familial ties with Eleanor, yet the latter had saved her and was supposedly looking for a husband for her. It all felt improbable.

Jaina had been in the capital for a while, and Eleanor never mentioned anything about a marriage proposal. Jaina was 25 years old now, and if Eleanor genuinely intended to arrange a match for her, Eleanor would have brought it up by now.

In truth, Jaina wasn't entirely sure how old she was. Lucas had said she was around seven or eight when he rescued her, so by that estimation, she must be in her mid-twenties now.

Furthermore, Eleanor held many banquets held at her palace. If she had any desire to present Jaina, she would have done so by now.

Yet every time, Jaina found herself locked away in the courtyard. She couldn't even step outside her room. The old maid explained that she hadn't learned the proper etiquette yet, and that going out might offend their esteemed guests.

"Do you really think there's more to the story of how Grand Princess Eleanor saved me?" Jaina asked, her breath coming in labored gasps.

"I'm not sure, which is why we need to investigate. Can you tell me what happened at that time? And what about the dissolution of your performance troupe?"

Jaina nodded, and recounted everything that had transpired in Stonebridge County.

Rafael and Jacob. She probed until she had every detail. Jaina explained everything thoroughly, especially about her struggles to survive after the performance troupe disbanded, right down

a moment of silence,

He's more eager than anyone to meet you. Your grandfather and mother are also in the

slipped through her fingers. She had never imagined she

she had thought about it

thought that If she ever saw her family again, she would demand to know why they

the years,"

and wiped her tears, "I've wondered myself. It felt weird, because I was thrown froma carriage was sick and disoriented at the time,

handkerchief, but she didn't take it. Instead, she pulled out her

it had been their

waited until I passed away before burying me, even if I was an unwanted daughter. It wouldn't have delayed anything. Why throw me away while I was still alive? Itwas pouring rain then, and my heart aches every time I recall that scene, and I can't bear to think about it

gravely ill during the journey. Human traffickers wouldn't help her. They feared exposure and didn't want to spend money on her.

been in such a haze of sickness