Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1093

Before leaving the capital, Yuvan went to the palace to bid farewell to Ruth.

Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke, "If you truly care for me, you'll petition His Majesty to allow me to go to Valken with you. At least then we wouldn't have to endure this separation, never knowing when we might see each other again."

Yuvan knelt before her, his voice choked with emotion as he replied, "Mom, I don't want to leave you either. But Valken is nothing like the palace. Your body wouldn't be able to bear the long and exhausting journey."

Ruth dabbed at her tears. "There was a time when your sister could stay in the palace and look after me. But now that she's been sent to the Heritage Bureau and you're returning to Valken, what hope do I have left here? Besides, I'm much better now. The hardships of the journey won't trouble me. If you won't petition His Majesty, then I'll do it myself. He's kind hearted. I'm sure he'll allow us to stay together."

"Mom, we'll be reunited soon, I promise. Just give me a little time."

Ruth reached for his hand, her frail fingers like brittle branches yet gripping him tightly.

"My son, the country is at peace now. The people are safe and living stable lives. The Southern Frontier has been reclaimed, and the fighting at Victory Pass has ceased. You must work hard to govern your territory well.

"Starhaven can become the prosperous and peaceful realm your dad envisioned, a place where everyone thrives. Nothing is more important than that. I've spent most of my life in this secluded palace, and I've seen so little of the world. But even I know that the people want nothing more than to live in peace and security."

Yuvan's expression faltered for a moment, but he forced a smile. "Mom, you've spent your life in the palace. The things you've been told were filtered before they ever reached you. What you see isn't the full picture.

"The capital may be prosperous, but do you know how many people still live in misery? They go hungry, lack proper clothing, and sell their children or pawn their wives just to survive. The heavy taxes and labor levies leave them overwhelmed."

Ruth started to shake her head, but Yuvan clasped her hand tightly, continuing, "And do you know about the Sinclair family—father and sons—who died on the battlefield at the Southern Frontier? His Majesty could have sent Rafael to the frontlines earlier, but he hesitated. He feared Rafael might grow too powerful, and that delay cost the Sinclair family their lives."

"No, you've only heard rumors," Ruth said firmly. "I may lack experience, but even I know how complicated the situation at the Southern Frontier was. The Duke of Northwatch reclaimed the region once, but Sandoria's counterattack caught them completely off guard.