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.

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 painful loss of his seventh son. She was cautious with her words, careful not to bring up anything that might stir old

to the capital in a

to reopen the deep wounds he had buried

and the weather is so harsh. Why didn't

"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

her," Carissa said, holding back her tears. 'I had planned to bring Ryan tonight, but he's staying at the academy. I was in such a rush to come

her visit tonight. It was a private matter, but

formally request the queen dowager's special permission in Ryan's name to allow him

bringing Sebastian to check on Dominic's health, delivering some tonics

long since they had sat down to eat as a family. Carissa's father had once

ached too. He knew Rafael had been the one to

and bowed in gratitude to Rafael. "Thank you,

returned the gesture. "Grandfather, there's no need for thanks-we're all

natural, as