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.

doesn't it?" she

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

playful pout in her tone. "No, I want

But right now, he felt defeated and utterly helpless, plus there was an

he could lean on her a little, making the trek down the

couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't reacted in time to stabilize himself and leverage that moment to spring up. His once-proud

was how embarrassing it would be for Carissa to witness him fall. Then, his reflexes had betrayed him, and he had

he felt grateful for was that the trek up the

eyes downcast, and as he caught sight of

as he swung himself onto the horse,

him, wanting to offer some words of comfort-but nothing seemed appropriate given how ridiculous he

back in the spring. I bet this place will be filled with blooming

though a thousand thoughts of refusal

to strike Richspire Peak and erase it from existence. He never wanted to set

and the colorful bruises on his face. He felt a swell of indignation, but forced himself