Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1308

Outside the hall, Derek was drenched in cold sweat, his legs trembling. Even when Carissa emerged, he felt his heart still hanging in the air, uncertain and uneasy.

Salvador had not exploded in anger as Derek had expected—that, in itself, was a shock.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Derek bowed respectfully as Carissa passed.

Carissa spoke quietly, just loud enough for the two of them to hear. "Don't worry, Mr. Walker."

Derek felt a pang in his chest. "Take care, Commander Sinclair."

Once she was gone, Derek returned to the hall to attend to the king. He couldn't resist stealing a glance at Salvador. To his astonishment, Salvador's face seemed to hold a note of happiness—something Derek had never anticipated.

Earlier, when he had sent Connor off to Serenity Palace, Salvador had spoken of the Hell Monarch's journey to the Southern Frontier as if it were all part of a grand scheme. So why was he suddenly in a good mood now?

Truly, the mind of a king was difficult to read.

Salvador noticed Derek's gaze and said, "Bring in the meal!"

Since hearing of Oliver's desertion, Salvador hadn't eaten a single bite. Derek instructed the servants to bring food and replaced Salvador's drink with a fresh cup.

Salvador's mouth felt dry and bitter, but after taking a sip, he felt a bit better.

"Still puzzled?" Salvador asked lightly, his mood visibly brighter.

Seeing his smile, Derek couldn't help but mirror it. "I don't need to understand, Your Majesty. If you are pleased, then I am too."

Salvador's lips curled up in a small smile. "I am indeed pleased. If what Carissa said today reflects my brother's true thoughts, it reassures me. On the other hand, if my brother has been hiding everything from her and they lack unity as a couple, then Carissa can still be useful to me."

Derek laughed along. "Your Majesty speaks wisely."

"I remember when my brother and I had no grudges between us. Those were happy days."

He placed his fist to his mouth, coughing a few times.