Her Graceful War Song

Rafael took Carissa's hand in his, his expression serious.

"I never wanted a secondary wife or concubine. I have no intentions toward anyone but you. You must always trust me."

Carissa gazed up at him, her eyes soft and trusting. "Of course I believe you. Otherwise, why would I have rejected it so firmly?"

He pulled her gently into his embrace, both finding comfort in the trust they shared. It was their anchor, and in that moment, they were certain their bond would weather any storm.

"Has Sebastian examined His Majesty?" Rafael asked.

Carissa shook her head softly in his arms. "No. His Majesty hasn't mentioned it, and no one has dared to suggest it. Even the queen dowager hasn't brought it up.'

Rafael sighed lightly. "He looks like he's aged ten years in the span of a few months. When I first saw him, I was truly startled.noveldrama

Carissa, who occasionally saw Salvador, didn't think he appeared a decade older at once. However, she did notice his significant weariness and his eyes were clouded and dull.

"The department heads and Lord Wright didn't recommend Sebastian, because when His Majesty left the palace and came to the estate, he claimed it was a private visit for a diagnosis," she said. "So naturally, the department heads wouldn't bring him up again. But I do find it strange that Mr. Murray didn't recommend him either."

Jeremiah was well aware of the entire situation.

Rafael's brow furrowed as something came to mind.

"When my dad, the previous king, was gravely ill, Mr. Murray recommended a well-known physician from the common folk to treat him. But after his condition worsened, he grew enraged and had the physician executed. I suppose that's why Mr. Murray doesn't dare recommend Sebastian now."

Carissa's eyes widened in shock. "That really happened?"

"Yes," Rafael replied, his tone somber. "I heard that the physician was actually a friend of Sebastian's." He paused, his thoughts weighing heavily on him.

"Mother likely knows of their connection, which is why she hasn't ordered Sebastian to treat His Majesty. She's concerned about past grievances and whether Sebastian would truly be impartial in his care. Carissa nodded, understanding. She knew Sebastian's nature well. If he wanted to save someone, whether they were a commoner or a noble, he would do everything in his power to help them. But if he didn't wish to, no title or status could sway him-he would refuse them without hesitation.

But over the years, he had rarely turned anyone away. When he did, it was usually for those whose moral character was in question.

"The royal physicians originally said His Majesty had only a year to live. Yet, three or four months have passed, and the crown prince's position remains undecided," Carissa remarked, a touch of concern in her voice.

She believed the delay in establishing the crown prince was a sign of Connor's failure to meet Salvador's expectations. Given how urgent the situation was, if Salvador had any real confidence in him, the decision would have already been made.

"Have you heard anything from Ryan about Prince Connor's situation?" Rafael asked.

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"When I brought him back a few days ago, I asked. Ryan said that Prince Connor used to be more diligent, but now he finds the political strategies Mr. Young teaches boring and tiresome. He's been nodding off in class, and Mr. Young has had to punish him several times. Even the assignments Mr. Young gives him, he has Ryan do for him."

Rafael frowned deeply. "Such laziness... How could he possibly be fit for the throne?"

"By the way," Carissa continued, "Prince Caden also went to the study room a few days ago, but he and Prince Connor had different hours for lessons. Ryan mentioned that Prince Caden is diligent, respectful, and polite. Every day, he brings snacks and coffee for Mr. Young.'

Rafael fell silent for a long while, a look of concern settling on his face. Carissa lifted her gaze to him. "Do you think there's a problem?"

Rafael said slowly, "You can't really say His Majesty is wrong in handling things this way. He has to choose the right person in a short amount of time-this is the only way. But with his eldest son still in the picture, elevating the second prince is already a rejection of the first. Naturally, that means more people will start rallying behind Prince Caden."

He cleared his throat, still hoarse from his illness.

"In any era, there are often factions in opposition. Despite her high position, Queen Kylie has been confined to her quarters time and again. The management of the harem has fallen into the hands of Lady Grace and Lady Sylvia, and the Quinton family has been suppressed.

"If His Majesty elevates Prince

Caden, Queen Kylie and Prince Connor will be weakened. The only thing keeping the old ministers loyal to them is their status as royalty but that alone isn't enough to create a real balance of power. In the end, if those ministers continue to resist, Prince Connor may very well become a target for assassination."

Carissa followed his reasoning. "But there's a premise to what you're saying-if Lady Grace and Lady Sylvia know about His Majesty's condition. Though... I suppose it won't be easy to keep it hidden much longer."