Her Graceful War Song

Lily watched from the side, deciding to leave the couple to sort things out themselves. Whether it ended in a fight or a scolding, Carissa and Rafael would handle it on their own.

Carissa was upset, and if Lily stayed to offer advice, she might only fuel her anger. Carissa wasn't angry with Rafael but with Adrian. Lily left the room, understanding that it was better to leave the couple alone, so that Carissa would feel sorry for her husband, given the state he was in.

After wiping Rafael's face and cleaning his hands, Carissa gave him some water to rinse his mouth. It helped him feel more awake.

He was indeed clearer-headed now, even able to notice that Carissa was still upset. He understood it wasn't directed at him, but found her all the more beautiful when her delicate face was clouded with displeasure.

The candles cast a warm glow throughout the room, and the intertwined knots hung around the lanterns seemed to warm his heart.

Rafael cleared his throat softly and asked, "I made most of these Eternal Knots myself. Do they look good?"

Carissa, who was in the middle of portioning some food for him, glanced around. She wouldn't have noticed the knots around the room if he hadn't said anything. It wasn't that there weren't enough of them in sight, but she was anxious enough to not be paying attention to them.

Surprised, she looked at his long, slender hands and asked, "You made these? You know how to do such detailed work?"

Rafael's hair was slightly disheveled, but his face remained strikingly handsome, his smile lighting up his eyes.

"I didn't, but I learned how to do it."

Carissa's eyes shimmered with unspoken emotions. She feigned ignorance as she asked, "Why?"

"I'm not sure why. I just wanted to make them with my own hands. I wanted to be more involved with our wedding." Rafael paused thoughtfully. "There's something I haven't told you."

He raised a hand to his forehead, trying to shake off the lingering dizziness, hoping to be as clear-headed as possible so she wouldn't think he was speaking under the influence.

Carissa slowly walked to the table, already guessing what he was about to say.

"Well, would you like to tell me now? Also, can you manage another small cup? We still haven't had the ceremonial wine."

"Yes, the ceremonial wine. We must drink it. I can handle it."

Rafael stood up, his steps slightly unsteady but managing to walk in a straight line. He took a seat next to Carissa. Their eyes met, revealing emotions they no longer tried to hide. Carissa blushed and lowered her gaze as she poured the wine.Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

The small, intricately carved gold cups were tied with delicate white ribbons, adding a touch of elegance. As the wine was poured, a rich rose aroma filled the air. It was indeed the perfect rose wine to drink. "This wine smells wonderful," Rafael remarked, reaching for the two cups.

He handed one to his wife, feeling his heart suddenly race.

Their hands intertwined as their faces drew close, nearly touching. They could almost hear each other's breath. Perhaps it was the glow of the candles, but their eyes sparkled with shared emotions.

"My dear, drinking this ceremonial wine means we will grow old together," he said softly.

Rafael's mind was clear, though his heart was still under the spell of emotion.

Carissa's face flushed a deep red. She nodded, watching Rafael lift his cup and drink, and she followed suit.

The wine, carrying a hint of cool fragrance, had a barely perceptible taste of alcohol. It was smooth and well-crafted, with just the right kick. After finishing the drink, she looked into his dark eyes and felt a slight drunkenness herself.

They set down their cups and gazed at each other.

"I wanted to tell you something..." he began.

Carissa interrupted him, "I'll start. Before you went to the Southern Frontier, did you seek out my mother to ask for my hand?"

He was taken aback. "You know?"

"Lily just told me," she said, biting her red lips. She looked up, her eyelashes fluttering. "So, the person you mentioned who was your beloved, the one who was already married, was me?"

Rafael nodded slightly. "Yes, it's you. It's always been you. From the start, you were the only one."

Everything became clear to Carissa. Her eyes filled with tears, and her nose grew a bit stuffy.

"You gave up your military power to marry me. The king knew your intentions, which is why he gave me that edict with a three-month deadline. If I didn't marry, I would have to enter the palace as a concubine. He was forcing you to give up your military command. You're such a fool."