Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1610

And yet, I knew well enough that Carissa held no affection for my brother. She chose to marry him only because she didn't wish to enter the palace and serve at my side.

Since their hearts were not truly united as one, I thought to raise Carissa's standing by granting her command of the Mystic Army. In the eyes of others, the Mystic Army would still be in the hands of Carissa and Rafael's household, and it would seem like I had not stripped my brother of his power.

At the time, it seemed a most clever arrangement.

However, I failed to foresee that they would not always be distant from each other. Time nurtured affection, and through marriage's union, their interests too became one.

I couldn't have known. The queen and I had never shared such closeness, nor had I ever given much thought to matters of marriage.

But thankfully, though their affection deepened, they never bore any ambition to replace me.

It was my own mistrust that led me astray.

At first, I believed that though Carissa was skilled in martial arts, leading the

Mystic Army would prove too great a burden. With so many under her command unwilling to accept her, I thought she might give up within a few months, after which I could appoint someone else.

every unruly man to heel. The entire Mystic Army came to obey her without

made the same mistake as so many others in this age: no one truly believed a woman capable. I had

Carissa became, the more I found myself stirred

to gossip. As

in my position. I had disregarded the bond

not help but wonder if it was retribution-my misdeeds returned to me. I had cast doubt upon my own brother, pushing him aside, and now my sons and concubines fought among

good father. I held my children to high standards, yet never gave them enough

in the beginning, he was idle and dull, sharp-tongued

was not sending him to

did have a way of leading one astray. Having held it so long,

when I went to

or despair in him. Instead, he had begun to study medicine and learn the use of herbs. It was as though he had shed his old self entirely. I was comforted by it, and yet, I grieved for him. He

how the rest of his life

left Eldermere Keep, I didn't go to see Caden. I had no wish to lay eyes on him. In this entire matter, it

led astray by

I wouldn't believe