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.

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,

the king of a nation, but simply as a father desperate to see his

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.

Should there be any changes after the medication is administered, or if Rowan requires my

Carissa nodded. "Understood."

Having given his instructions,

to

filled with a

compassion. The boy's resolve.

heart,

to use all his skills and knowledge to save

I.ne

a single one. would come forth. Not knowing whether this would be the last

bear to part with his

Connor managed to whisper,

could just barely hear him, and it brought tears

voice soft as he

You will recover. I

word with his