Her Graceful War Song

Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.

As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.noveldrama

Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.

Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.

He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams was pain.

He never said he wanted to die, not once.

But in his heart, he had thought many times that it might be better to die than to keep enduring the endless pain. But each time, he clenched his teeth and willed himself to endure just one more moment. That was how he had survived thus far.

Before Connor and Sebastian left the palace, Rafael and Carissa arrived.

Looking at the gathered faces, Connor weakly uttered a single word of gratitude. He longed to say more, but his body could not allow it, and his voice failed him. He was a frail, shattered figure, with a bandaged head, swollen face, and bloodshot eyes.

Carissa gently took his cold hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You must hold on. We will come to see you soon."

Connor struggled to open his eyes to meet his aunt's gaze, wishing he could smile and reassure her that he would endure. But the pain was too great, and a smile was beyond his reach. Every tiny movement sent waves of agony through his body.

Salvador turned to Sebastian with tears welling in his eyes. "I entrust Connor to you. I believe you will do everything in your power to save him. I won't thank you for this great favor, but if you ever need anything, I will do my best to repay you."

At this moment, Salvador wasn't speaking to Sebastian as the king of a nation, but simply as a father desperate to see his son live.

"Everyone at Eldermere Keep will spare no effort in treating him. You need not worry, Your Majesty. Your own health must come first. Thankfully, the medicine is already showing results. If you continue with the prescribed treatment, no adjustments should be necessary for the next year. As for the Snowdrop Pills, continue with what you have for now. Once I have prepared a new batch, I will send it to the capital," Sebastian replied.

He turned to Carissa, adding, "Rowan will visit the palace several times a month. Should there be any changes after the medication is administered, or if Rowan requires my presence, you are to send word immediately by carrier pigeon."

Carissa nodded. "Understood."

Having given his instructions,

Sebastian turned to look at Connor,

his gaze filled with a deep

compassion. The boy's resolve.

touched his heart, and he was

determined to use all his skills and knowledge to save him. swnovel

I.ne

As they were about to leave, Salvador gripped his son's hand tightly. His heart was full of words left unsaid, but not a single one. would come forth. Not knowing whether this would be the last time he would ever see his son, his chest ached with sorrow and S apprehension. swnovel

How could he bear to part with his own flesh and blood?

"D-Dad..." Connor managed to whisper, faint as a breath.

Salvador could just barely hear him, and it brought tears to his eyes.

He fought to maintain his composure, his voice soft as he said, "Connor, listen to

Healer Dalton. You will recover. I will be waiting for you."

"Okay." Connor shaped the word with his lips, but no sound came.

Victoria gently stroked his cheek. "Good boy, your grandmother is proud of you."

Tears slipped down the eldest

prince's face. His grandmother's et

praise was so rare. Even though he had fallen off his horse and failed again, had she finally accepted him? swnovel

As Connor's gaze swept slowly around the room, Victoria asked, "Do you wish to see your mother?"

Originally, this was something they had hoped to keep from Kylie. But if Connor wanted to see her, Victoria would make it happen.

Connor cried even harder but forced out, "No..."

He did wish to see her, but could not bring himself to face her disappointment. His mother would surely find some excuse to mask his failure.

Though he protested, he summoned all the strength he had left to say, "Tell her... tell her I love her."

It was the first time since his fall that he had said so many words, and they were all for Kylie.