Her Graceful War Song

Jacob didn't make a fuss. It was Rafael's wedding day, so everything else had to take a backseat.

What was Helen thinking? How could she take items from her daughter-in-law's dowry and give them to someone else? Was such behavior even possible for a rational person? Jacob sighed. He couldn't understand how an honored concubine like Helen, who seemed so "innocent," could have given birth to such a wise and perceptive son like Rafael.

Carissa had only gone through one round of toasts when Rafael took her to their new suite. As the groom, Rafael couldn't leave the banquet so quickly and would have to return soon. Even now, as Carissa watched him leave after he escorted her back to the suite, her hand still seemed to hold the warmth of his touch.

The room was warmed by a brazier, providing a cozy comfort that seeped into her very heart.

It turned out that matters of the heart couldn't be controlled. Carissa tried to restrain her emotions, but was helpless to stop them from sinking deeper into Rafael's gentle gaze.

Lily entered, calling for Lulu and the others to go downstairs for the wedding banquet. The servants deserved a meal too. The dishes served for them were quite lavish, though they were served in the lower courtyard, not the main hall.

Lulu and the others had been serving the guests all this time and had not eaten yet, so they were quite hungry.

However, Lulu was also concerned about Carissa and asked, "Lily, is there a table of food here for Lady Carissa?"

"We've had some chicken noodle soup prepared for Lady Carissa to have a light meal first. After the prince has entertained the guests, she can join him for dinner. His Highness has only had wine and hasn't eaten any food," Lily replied.

Carissa looked up. "Is it alright to just drink wine without eating? Can't someone stop him for a while and make him eat something?"Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Lily smiled. "Oh, are you already showing concern for your husband, my lady?"

Carissa's face turned a deep red. "Lily, don't tease me. Drinking on an empty stomach is really not good."

Lily sent the others out and closed the door of the newlywed suite. There was something the young lady needed to know.

Now that Carissa was officially married, there was no turning back.

Initially, Lily had planned to wait until after the wedding night to discuss this, but having observed Carissa over the past few days, she could see that her mistress had truly developed feelings for Rafael. If she didn't tell her soon, Carissa would be tormented.

Lily moved a chair and sat down in front of her mistress, gazing at her with relief.

Today, Carissa looked truly radiant, far more so than she had when marrying Barrett. It wasn't just about the makeup-it was that her heart truly belonged to Rafael. When a person was in love, their entire being glowed, and the sweetness of that feeling was evident in every corner of their expression.

"Are you happy, my dear?" Lily asked gently.

She took Carissa's hand, applying a bit of pressure as she rubbed the calluses on her palm, then pulled out a small jar of cream she carried with her. This cream was from Sebastian, who claimed it could soften calluses and smelled pleasant.

Carissa used her other hand to rub the back of her neck. "I don't particularly feel happy or not. Getting married isn't exactly a new experience for me."

She was indeed happy, but there was also a tinge of melancholy. Though she had developed feelings for Rafael, he had married her for other reasons. He was settling for her, so how could she appear overjoyed?

She needed to constantly remind herself to stay grounded and avoid giving her heart away entirely. If Rafael grew cold towards her in the future, it would hurt deeply.

Though Carissa usually kept her grievances to herself, Lily could easily discern her true feelings. Lily had watched this child grow up, and even though she had been away at Meadow Ridge, she had been a constant presence over the years. She knew Carissa well enough to know what the young lady was thinking.

"Today, there's something I need to tell you. After I'm done, you can decide if you want to be happy about it," Lily said with a playful look. "But remember, you mustn't keep bringing up your previous marriage." "What's this about?" Carissa asked, her interest piqued.