Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1170

As the ladies were chatting, Ruth sent someone to privately ask Carissa to join her. After receiving the invitation, Carissa checked with Victoria for permission and went. Ruth was Augustus' concubine, and she was supposed to be living in comfort on her son's fief. Instead, she remained alone in a secluded palace in the royal palace.

When Carissa followed Oscar into Everlasting Palace, the atmosphere struck her as cold and desolate. There was no sign of festivity or hint of the holiday spirit. It felt as if they were not only separated by a few palace halls, but also by an unbridgeable divide of heaven and earth.

Since winter had set in, Ruth's health had worsened. Yuvan's son, Randall, had remained in the capital. Today, he was in the palace, attending to his grandmother.

Upon seeing Carissa, Randall rose and bowed. "Greetings, Your Grace."

Carissa gave him a cool glance. "Greetings, Your Highness. I see you've come to the palace today."

"Yes, I'm here to keep my grandmother company." Randall felt uncomfortable under Carissa's gaze, so he couldn't meet her eyes.

Carissa ignored him and stepped forward to offer her greetings to Ruth.

Ruth was lying in bed, supported by two soft embroidered pillows. Her face was a sickly yellow, her eyes sunken. Her hair was unkempt and hung loosely, streaks of white strands scattered around her face-a result of staying in bed for so long. She looked at Carissa, coughed once, then said in a slow, feeble voice, "Your Grace, please sit. There's no need for formalities."

was labored and barely

to it. "Your Grace, please sit closer.

down, then asked softly, "Are you

it's

a bit of lip balm to her dry lips, but instead of improving her complexion, it only made her already pale face look even

you take

charcoal in the room was nearly too much for Carissa. Despite the comfortable heat, there was no sign of smoke, which showed

about them. I'm sorry, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her." Carissa lowered her eyes. "When someone dies, it's as if a light is extinguished. Whether or not one forgives, it no longer matters. There's no need for you to carry this burden, Your Grace. You should

Ruth replied with

tears welling up in her eyes. "Forgiveness is what clears her karmic debt so that in the next life, she can suffer less. In this life, she didn't find peace. But in

mistakes she made in this life weren't due to a bad marriage, nor are they connected to it at all," Carissa said, her voice calm but firm. "Yes, I know. She was wrong in so many ways. But as you said, when someone passes, their light is gone. There's no point in holding onto hatred anymore."

to wipe away Ruth's tears. After a moment, Ruth continued,

"And then there's my

her-what a tragic end! Every time I think of it,

Carissa showed no sign of displeasure on her face, she couldn't help but feel a touch