Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1463

Salvador raised his eyes to look at Rafael. The handsome young man before him now seemed weathered by the harsh winds of the Southern Frontier.

A weight pressed against Salvador's chest; a tight, uncomfortable feeling.

He knew how difficult the battle had been—cold, hunger, and the emotional toll that wore down even the strongest spirit. Yet, they had endured and fought with great valor.

But all the while, as they fought bravely at the front lines, Salvador's thoughts had wandered elsewhere—toward Carissa.

Guilt surged in his heart, but with it came something else, something darker. It was something he couldn't suppress, no matter how hard he tried. It left him feeling uneasy, caught in a constant tug-of-war within himself, never quite able to make peace with his own contradictions.

Salvador was clearly concerned for Rafael, yet the words that came out carried a hint of bitterness.

"After this battle, I fear all the officials and generals in court will bow to you. The people are with you, and their hopes rest in you. Your risky venture onto the battlefield—going in alone, fighting fiercely—it worked." Then, he added with a smile, "Of course, I am proud of you too."

At this, Rafael's eyes dimmed, the spark in them fading as if something had frozen inside him.

"Tell me more about the battle," Salvador said, sighing softly. He knew he had messed up again, so he changed the topic.

Rafael recounted the battle quickly, his earlier excitement gone. He finished speaking in a matter of moments, his thoughts elsewhere. "I miss my wife. I wish to return home soon."

Salvador studied him, letting out a small sigh. "When I said I was proud of you, I meant it, from the heart."

"I know," Rafael replied. His voice was steady, but there was something sharp in it—a mixture of gratitude, resentment, and unspoken emotions.

Some things had been bottled up inside for too long. Rafael wanted to speak his mind, but as he lifted his gaze, he saw Salvador's face had taken on a sickly yellow hue, paler than before. A suspicion stirred in him. He had asked earlier, but Salvador hadn't answered.

Now, it was too late to ask again.

As Rafael left the royal study, his steps quickened, the heavy emotions of the previous moments forgotten in an instant. Excitement surged within him once more.

He was almost certain that Carissa would be waiting for him at the palace gates.