Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1469 Five days ago, Salvador had sent Derek to Arcane Sanctum to find Sebastian. When Derek arrived, he was told that Sebastian had already left the city, with no clear return date.

When Derek reported back, Salvador understood immediately-it was because of the incident with their late father, who had executed a famous physician years ago. Sebastian had no desire to return to the palace and treat Salvador.

Salvador had considered sending someone to retrieve Sebastian, reasoning that no place in the world was beyond the reach of the crown. Surely, he could find him. But he knew that if Sebastian didn't want to come, no amount of pressure would compel him to help. Even if he were brought back, it would be of little use.

Naturally, Salvador knew there was one person who might persuade Sebastian-Carissa.

But his illness had been kept secret for a reason he didn't want the entire court to know just yet, especially not Rafael.

Rafael had just returned with great military achievements and a rising public reputation. If he learned of Salvador's condition now, it wouldn't be hard for him to start planning and preparing for what came next. But in the end, Salvador was just a man-a frail, suffering man. The pain had worn him down, and his earlier rationality was slipping away. All he wanted now was to find relief.

Sebastian was his only hope.

Rafael and Carissa entered the palace together, and both were taken aback when they saw Salvador after such a long time.

He had lost so much weight that his cheeks were sunken, his complexion pale and sickly. Despite the chilly March weather, his forehead was drenched in sweat, and the clothes next to him, recently changed, were soaked through.

Surrounding him were the royal physicians, their faces equally drawn and weary, likely from days of constant vigil at Salvador's side.

Salvador sat propped up on the bed, a soft cushion pressed against his back. His neck seemed unable to support his head, which wobbled slightly, giving him a dazed look.

enter, his

his heart aching at

everyone but Desmond and Derek, signaling for the others to

his brows furrowing as though he were

at the bedside, sitting upright and still, the sharp

weak, his head tilting

him as soon as

watched him intently. "Do you think you can bring him

do my best," Rafael

not take my anger out on the royal

pressing a hand to his chest, enduring the pain as even his

how is the king?" Rafael asked, turning to Desmond who

instructed by Salvador to speak plainly if the

Highness," Desmond began, his voice thick, with emotion, "His Majesty's illness has progressed to the lungs,

sweating profusely, and theel

excruciating. He is feverish,

royal physicians have tried have shown little effect, even failing to

several nights-his pain