Her Graceful War Song

Five days ago, Salvador had sent Derek to Arcane Sanctum to find Sebastian. When Derek arrived, he was told that Sebastian had already left the city, with no clear return date.

When Derek reported back, Salvador understood immediately-it was because of the incident with their late father, who had executed a famous physician years ago. Sebastian had no desire to return to the palace and treat Salvador.

Salvador had considered sending someone to retrieve Sebastian, reasoning that no place in the world was beyond the reach of the crown. Surely, he could find him. But he knew that if Sebastian didn't want to come, no amount of pressure would compel him to help. Even if he were brought back, it would be of little use.noveldrama

Naturally, Salvador knew there was one person who might persuade Sebastian-Carissa.

But his illness had been kept secret for a reason he didn't want the entire court to know just yet, especially not Rafael.

Rafael had just returned with great military achievements and a rising public reputation. If he learned of Salvador's condition now, it wouldn't be hard for him to start planning and preparing for what came next. But in the end, Salvador was just a man-a frail, suffering man. The pain had worn him down, and his earlier rationality was slipping away. All he wanted now was to find relief.

Sebastian was his only hope.

Rafael and Carissa entered the palace together, and both were taken aback when they saw Salvador after such a long time.

He had lost so much weight that his cheeks were sunken, his complexion pale and sickly. Despite the chilly March weather, his forehead was drenched in sweat, and the clothes next to him, recently changed, were soaked through.

Surrounding him were the royal physicians, their faces equally drawn and weary, likely from days of constant vigil at Salvador's side.

Salvador sat propped up on the bed, a soft cushion pressed against his back. His neck seemed unable to support his head, which wobbled slightly, giving him a dazed look.

When he saw Rafael and Carissa enter, his nose inexplicably tingled, and his eyes reddened.

"Your Majesty," Rafael said, his heart aching at the sight. "Are you feeling any better?"

Salvador dismissed everyone but Desmond and Derek, signaling for the others to leave.

"Sit," Salvador said, his brows furrowing as though he were suppressing pain.

Rafael and Carissa took seats at the bedside, sitting upright and still, the sharp scent of medicine hanging heavily in the air.

"I need you to do something for me," Salvador's voice was weak, his head tilting back to rest. "Please... Go to Sebastian and bring him here to examine me."

Rafael nodded. "I will go to him as soon as I leave the palace."

Salvador watched him intently. "Do you think you can bring him back?"

"I will do my best," Rafael replied.

Salvador let out a soft sigh. "Tell him... I will not take my anger out on the royal physicians or anyone else.

He closed his eyes, pressing a hand to his chest, enduring the pain as even his breath became shallow.

"Mr. Desmond, how is the king?" Rafael asked, turning to Desmond who stood nearby.

Desmond had already been instructed by Salvador to speak plainly if the Hell Monarch ever inquired.

"Your Highness," Desmond began, his voice thick, with emotion, "His Majesty's illness has progressed to the lungs, a condition of internal lung congestion. The pain is

sweating profusely, and theel

excruciating. He is feverish,

remedies the royal physicians have tried have shown little effect, even failing to ease the pain."

Desmond's voice caught. "His Majesty has not slept for several nights-his pain is so severe that he cannot rest."

Rafael immediately rose. "I will go to Sebastian at once."

Salvador's brow loosened slightly, and there was a faint glimmer in his dull eyes.

Rafael turned to Carissa. "Go ahead to Serenity Palace. There's no need for you to accompany me while I seek Sebastian."

Carissa nodded. "Alright. Be quick, please."

Once Rafael had gone, Carissa prepared to leave as well. However, Salvador's voice stopped her.

"Commander Sinclair, I have something I must ask of you," he said, his gaze intense. "Please, sit. Desmond, you may leave us."

Desmond bowed and exited, leaving Derek to stand silently at the side.

Perhaps due to the intensity of the pain, Salvador didn't mince words He looked directly at Carissa. "The royal physicians have said that I may not survive more than three O months."

Carissa's heart jolted. Three months? Hadn't they said a year before? So little time had passed since then!

Seeing the shock on her face, Salvador managed a weak smile.

"I know you share the same loyalty to the kingdom as your dad," he said quietly I hope you'll follow your conscience and answer truthfully to what I'm about to ask."