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."

when Carissa had entered the palace with critical intelligence, only to be rejected by Salvador. Rather than waiting idly or stepping aside, she had single-handedly gone to the

consequences.

in sync, and

firmly. "I support you. Go ahead. If His Majesty remains silent, I will stay here in the capital. But if he moves against you, I'll

a plan forming in her

But now that she had voiced her support, she would be his strongest pillar. With that, he

go to Arcane Sanctum and ask Sebastian if there's any medicine that might cause a change in pulse after consumption. If so, I'll take it, and then you can immediately call for

it," Carissa said,

rough fingers brushing over her

eyes shimmered with unshed

most likely still

at the Southern Frontier. If Rafael wanted to lead them there, it couldn't be done without anyone

and buy some time. Even if Salvador wanted to punish

Southern Frontier, it would

him was death, Carissa would face it with

Arcane Sanctum herself. As soon as

is too dangerous. It's not worth it," he commented as he

with fierce conviction, her eyes shining. "For the Southern

Even if Prince Rafael returns victorious and isn't