Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 867

It was both frustrating and amusing.

Carissa supported the limping Rafael as they slowly made their way down the mountain. His hair was a mess, sticking up in a strange, wet clump after hitting the snow, creating an odd, wild look.

His face was a patchwork of bruises-blue, purple, and red. The red came from a cut that had bled, luckily, the wounds were shallow and, combined with the cold, had stopped bleeding quickly. A lump the size of an egg swelled on his forehead, a sight that was both pitiful and funny.

Fighting, strategizing, and governing were all his strengths, but games like this? He was utterly lost. Sliding down the slope had turned into a comical disaster.

Who knew skiing could be so hazardous?

Everyone knew not to underestimate water, but mountains could be just as treacherous- especially mountains that only got covered with snow during the coldest days of winter, hiding sharp rocks just beneath the surface. The terrain here was nothing like the Southern Frontier, and back then he at least had armor. Here, he had none.

Rafael was mortified. He never expected that a simple act of skiing could result in such a humiliating tumble. He had hoped for a rare day off to bond with Carissa and create some meaningful memories they could cherish when they were older.

Well, this was certainly unforgettable. Carissa would likely remember this day for the rest of her life.

she asked, noticing

his head slightly. "Honestly, you don't need to help me. I can manage on my own. Having you support me makes it

on tighter, a playful pout in her tone. "No, I want to walk with you

this had been any other time, Rafael would have been thrilled. But right now, he felt defeated and utterly helpless, plus there was an excruciating pain in his foot.

supporting him, at least he could lean on her a

time to stabilize himself and

chaos, all he could think about was how embarrassing it would be for Carissa to witness him fall. Then, his reflexes

gaze to the equally heavy sky. The only thing he felt grateful for was that the trek up the mountain had taken so long, while the descent was swift-though perhaps a bit too

eyes downcast, and as he caught sight of his trusty mount, a wave of frustration washed over him. He wanted to bury his face in

himself onto the horse, trying in vain to tame his wild

words of comfort-but nothing seemed appropriate given how ridiculous he had looked during his

in the spring. I bet this place will be filled

though a thousand thoughts of refusal

perfect for a thunderstorm to strike Richspire Peak and erase it from existence. He never wanted

the curious stares he received due to his bizarre hairstyle and the colorful bruises on his face. He felt a swell of indignation, but forced himself to act nonchalant as he rode