Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1093

Before leaving the capital, Yuvan went to the palace to bid farewell to Ruth.

Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke, "If you truly care for me, you'll petition His Majesty to allow me to go to Valken with you. At least then we wouldn't have to endure this separation, never knowing when we might see each other again." Yuvan knelt before her, his voice choked with emotion as he replied, "Mom, I don't want to leave you either. But Valken is nothing like the palace. Your body wouldn't be able to bear the long and exhausting journey."

Ruth dabbed at her tears. "There was a time when your sister could stay in the palace and look after me. But now that she's been sent to the Heritage Bureau and you're returning to Valken, what hope do I have left here? Besides, I'm much better now. The hardships of the journey won't trouble me. If you won't petition His Majesty, then I'll do it myself. He's kind hearted. I'm sure he'll allow us to stay together."

"Mom, we'll be reunited soon, I promise. Just give me a little time."

Ruth reached for his hand, her frail fingers like brittle branches yet gripping him tightly.

"My son, the country is at peace now. The people are safe and living stable lives. The Southern Frontier has been reclaimed, and the fighting at Victory Pass has ceased. You must work hard to govern your territory well.

"Starhaven can become the prosperous and peaceful realm your dad envisioned, a place where everyone thrives. Nothing is more important than that. I've spent most of my life in this secluded palace, and I've seen so little of the world. But even I know that the people want nothing more than to live in peace and security."

forced a smile. "Mom, you've spent your life in the palace. The things you've been told were filtered before they ever reached you. What you see isn't the full

but do you know how many people still live in misery? They go hungry, lack proper clothing, and sell their children or pawn their wives just to survive. The

hand tightly, continuing, "And do you know about the Sinclair family-father and sons-who died on the battlefield at the Southern Frontier? His Majesty could have sent Rafael to the frontlines earlier, but he hesitated.

Frontier was. The Duke of Northwatch reclaimed the region once, but Sandoria's counterattack caught them completely off guard. "That wasn't something His Majesty or

frail hands

down her face. "My son, listen to me. Valken is a wealthy domain. It will bring you and your children a lifetime of prosperity. Do not take unnecessary risks don't

ryour

family's."

are you talking about? What do you think I'm planning to do?

cloudy eyes met his, a strange mixture of laughter and sorrow in

casual conversation," she murmured. "Yes, just idle chatter. I know your heart is kind. If you're unhappy with your princess consort or your concubine, then take more women into your

your heart and brighten your days. Life could be so good-don't give me reasons to worry

"Who's been whispering nonsense into your ears, Mom? Who's been spinning tales to make me out as some sort of traitor? I am