Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1464

As they arrived at the gates of Hell Monarch Estate, the crack of Flamepetals filled the air, and the household rushed out to greet Rafael. Everyone surrounded him in a joyous embrace as he made his way inside.

Even Frederick and Holly from Northwatch Estate had come, and Ryan had been brought out from the palace to join the celebration.

Rafael hoisted Ryan up into his arms and lifted him onto his shoulders, then strode into the main hall with a commanding presence. Ryan was absolutely delighted, his hands resting on Rafael's forehead as his smile stretched all the way to his ears. His eyes sparkled with admiration for his uncle.

Once they reached the main hall, Rafael gently set Ryan down, asking about his studies. He learned that Ryan had been serving as Connor's study partner in the palace, earning praise from both Victoria and Trevor. Rafael gave an approving nod, lifting his thumb in praise of the boy's diligence.

Ryan glanced shyly at Carissa, though his joy was plain in the sparkle of his eyes.

Carissa's face lit up with a smile, but the tears that lingered at the edges of her eyes betrayed the emotion she was holding back.

Helen had been waiting for her son to come and offer his greetings, but she could not wait any longer. She hurried out to meet him, and when she saw how much weight he had lost, her heart clenched in sorrow.

The table was laid with an abundance of food, but Helen did not sit with them. She insisted that they enjoy their meal, allowing them to talk freely and enjoy themselves.

Though famished, Rafael ate sparingly. He chose only light fares that were placed further from him. He tried a few morsels from the meat dishes Carissa had arranged for him, but he only nibbled a small amount before pushing the plate aside. Several times, he clutched at his stomach, as though in discomfort.

Carissa noticed at once. Her eyes welled with tears, and she swiftly turned to send someone to fetch Sebastian.

The others had caught on as well, their concern evident in their expressions.

Rafael set his cutlery down, then took Carissa's hand in his with a smile.

"It's nothing serious," he reassured her, his voice soft. "There's no need to trouble Sebastian. It's just my stomach. I'll recover with time."

"Let him check your condition," Jacob suggested. "It'll put everyone's mind at ease."

Violet raised an eyebrow. "Did you ruin your stomach in Atamore Mountain? With nothing to eat or drink, did you end up gnawing on tree bark or snow?"

Rafael gave a lighthearted shrug. "There was food, though it was scarce. But there was always some dried meat from the grasslands tribes. Every meal, I had a few pieces to fill my belly. And I could always make a fire for water, so we never had to eat snow."

His words were not entirely untrue, though they omitted the worst of it.

How could there be enough dried meat for several pieces in one meal? Sometimes, they would only get a small piece for the whole day, tearing off tiny bits to make it last.