Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1287

Rafael leaned back against the soft cushions, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from his body.

Ever since returning from the Southern Frontier and relinquishing his command, Salvador continued to regard him with suspicion. Rafael could choose not to care. If some things were restricted, he would find other ways to achieve his goals.

He held back to avoid further widening the gap between him and his brother. It wasn't until the

negotiations with Westhaven that he became more proactive. But even after that, he knew when to step back again.

Rafael only hoped that if war did come, Salvador might doubt him less.

"He knows that Sandoria's return this time is likely tied to traitors within the Southern Frontier who've helped them prepare for this attack. Yet, he still believes that I am more of a threat to him than Sandoria's armies at our doorstep," said Rafael, laughing bitterly as he drained the last of his wine.

Carissa's gaze darkened. "This isn't the first time he's done this."

Rafael pulled her into his embrace, his fingers gently combing through her hair as he remembered the last time such a thing had happened. How suffocating that situation had felt.

As he sat here alone tonight, drinking to dull the ache, he found himself repeatedly mulling over the same question would he be condemned to live in this suffocating situation forever?

"I won't let the same tragedy repeat itself," Rafael said, pulling away from Carissa slightly and fixing her with a cold, determined stare. "I should learn from you."

or stepping aside, she had single-handedly gone to the Southern Frontier to find

consequences.

sync, and Carissa understood his meaning

nodded firmly. "I support you. Go ahead. If His Majesty remains silent, I will stay here in the capital. But

washed over her as she spoke, a plan forming in her mind. She had always been

But now that she had voiced her support, she would

cause a change in pulse after consumption.

it," Carissa said, nodding

fingers brushing over her lips.

eyes shimmered with

most likely

Southern Frontier. If Rafael wanted to lead them there, it couldn't be

buy some time. Even

it would have

the punishment that awaited him was

made her way to Arcane Sanctum herself. As soon as Sebastian heard her question, he knew exactly what

he commented as he led her into the back room,

it," Carissa replied with fierce conviction, her eyes

consequences are too severe. Even if Prince Rafael returns victorious and isn't punished, His Majesty will find a way to get rid