Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 919

Dominic stood and helped Carissa straighten up before gently rubbing her head, just like he used to when she was little. As a child, she would come to him to complain whenever she was upset.

She had been a small, delicate thing, and couldn't stand feeling wronged. Anyone who dared to scold her or speak ill of her would find themselves the subject of her complaints the moment her grandfather returned to the capital. After venting her frustrations, she would always hide in his arms, seemingly submissive and innocent on the surface. Yet, her eyes would gleam with mischievous satisfaction.

Tears streamed down Carissa's face, each drop falling in a steady cascade. With his rough fingers, Dominic wiped away her tears, swallowing the sorrow in his throat.

His voice still trembled with emotion as he said, "Who's been bullying our little Cari this time? But you don't need me to step in and teach them a lesson now, do you? You can handle it yourself and give them a taste of their own medicine."

His words, full of both pain and pride, made Carissa's heart ache even more.

She hurriedly wiped her eyes. She wasn't here to cry, let alone let her grandfather see her weakness. Through her blurred vision, she caught the familiar, doting look in his eyes. Yet, it only made her more aware of how much he had aged.

She had been through a lot these years, but Dominic had experienced even more. Besides the heartbreak over the Sinclair family, there was the loss of his third son's arm, the death of his seventh son, and his own near-fatal injuries from an arrow. Yet Dominic had endured each hardship with resilience. Even now, his back remained straight.

in her heart. Finally, after much coaxing, Rafael managed to calm the grandfather and granddaughter enough for them to sit and talk properly. Carissa didn't dare ask about her uncles or aunts, afraid that mentioning them would remind her grandfather of the

coming to the capital in a few days. She insisted

wanting to reopen the deep wounds he had buried

face softened with concern. "The journey is long, and the weather is so harsh. Why didn't you stop

as he replied, "She misses you. She wanted to come back sooner, but she didn't dare. Now, with everything that's happened, she's decided to come anyway. Let her

tears. 'I had planned to bring Ryan tonight, but he's staying at the academy. I was in such

visit tonight.

permission in Ryan's name to allow him to meet his great-grandfather. That would give her a proper reason to

always visit again, but it would be better with a legitimate excuse-perhaps bringing Sebastian to check on Dominic's health, delivering some tonics and everyday

to eat as a family. Carissa's father had once said that one of the most important things in

conversation, Dominic's heart ached too. He knew Rafael had been the one to find

"Thank you, Your Highness, for bringing Ryan back to

stood and returned the gesture. "Grandfather, there's no need for

so natural, as though he had practiced it countless