Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa ended up with a mouthful of dust. The sandy ground was nothing like the grassy fields. It had no beauty at all, just clouds of dust flying everywhere. Even standing inside the racetrack, she could hardly see who was in the lead.

It looked like Joseph's youngest son, Ingram Carter.

As the horses cleared the hurdles, it became clear that it was indeed Ingram. His horse had pulled ahead by a full length, and he continued to extend his lead with impressive speed.

While lively, the race was not a formal contest. It was merely a display to flatter the royal princes, so the position of first place held little significance.

None of the riders were willing to push themselves too hard, lest they raise the princes' anxiety by excelling too greatly. Thus, the others refrained from catching up. However, the pace was swift, even if it was not their peak performance.

By the time the current riders reached the third lap, Ryan and the three princes were preparing to mount their horses. Once the current race was completed, the four children would make their own entrance.

Cecil was already on his horse. The handsome young boy on the horse looked quite impressive. There was no trace of nervousness in his demeanor as he gripped the reins and adjusted his posture. He even leaned forward slightly to calm his horse.

Ryan and Caden followed, mounting their steeds with varying degrees of ease before turning their attention to Connor. Ryan's eyes held encouragement, while Caden's face was pale, his hand trembling ever so slightly as it gripped the reins. Mistaking his brother's tension for nerves, Connor gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Caden. You ride better than I do. Even I am not afraid anymore."

Caden's palms were slick with sweat. A sharp, cold wind blew, and the sand stung his eyes. He barely saw how Connor mounted. All he noticed was the fluidity of the movement, the way his older brother seemed to settle onto the saddle with practiced ease.

Then came the scream of a horse in agony-a sound that struck terror into everyone present.

As soon as Connor mounted, his steed went mad and thrashed violently. He pulled at the reins in a desperate attempt to calm the animal, waiting for the stableman to arrive. But before the stableman could reach the horse's head, the steed reared and bolted, its hooves pounding against the earth as it charged across the track, wild with panic.

The entire scene unfolded in the blink of an eye, a moment of chaos so swift that it left no time for reaction.

was flung violently from his horse, the riders on the track behind him failed to halt their

steeds stumbled and tumbled over

was

sharp screams pierced the

instant, Several figures darted across the

Connor, pulling him to

The others

promptly

in her arms, trembling as the heavy

was limp, as

1.n

His face and head were covered in blood, and he spat more from his mouth.

a pity... a pity I did not

spoke, blood flowed from his lips, staining

"It is nothing, you

him tighter, then shouted,

scream rent the air as she staggered down from the

well. However,

his horse and approached, his hands trembling as he covered his mouth to stifle the sobs that threatened to break free. Tears streamed down his face, but he dared not interfere. Instead, he stepped aside