Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.

As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.

Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.

Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.

He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams was pain.

He never said he wanted to die, not once.

But in his heart, he had thought many times that it might be better to die than to keep enduring the endless pain. But each time, he clenched his teeth and willed himself to endure just one more moment. That was how he had survived thus far.

Before Connor and Sebastian left the palace, Rafael and Carissa arrived.

Looking at the gathered faces, Connor weakly uttered a single word of gratitude. He longed to say more, but his body could not allow it, and his voice failed him. He was a frail, shattered figure, with a bandaged head, swollen face, and bloodshot eyes.

Carissa gently took his cold hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You must hold on. We will come to see you soon."

Connor struggled to open his eyes to meet his aunt's gaze, wishing he could smile and reassure her that he would endure. But the pain was too great, and a smile was beyond his reach. Every tiny movement sent waves of agony through his body.

to you. I believe you will do everything in your power to save him. I won't thank you for this great favor, but if you ever need anything, I will do

moment, Salvador wasn't speaking to Sebastian as the king of a nation, but simply as a father desperate

not worry, Your Majesty. Your own health must come first. Thankfully, the medicine is already showing results. If you continue with the prescribed treatment, no adjustments should be necessary for the next year. As for the Snowdrop Pills, continue with what you have for now. Once

Carissa, adding, "Rowan will visit the palace several times a month. Should there be any changes after the medication is administered, or if Rowan requires my

Carissa nodded. "Understood."

Having given his instructions,

turned to look at

filled

compassion. The boy's resolve.

heart, and

all his skills and knowledge

I.ne

full of words left unsaid, but not a single one. would come forth. Not knowing whether this would be the last time he would ever see

part with his

Connor managed to whisper, faint

and it brought

to maintain his composure, his voice

will recover. I will

Connor shaped the word with his lips, but