Her Graceful War Song

Just as the gathered royal physicians were brimming with anticipation, they quickly realized that whether they watched or not made little difference.

Sebastian held a needle between each of his fingers. In the blink of an eye, all four were inserted. It was as if they had only seen the fleeting blur of his hand, and in that instant, the procedure was already complete.

Four energy points, each spaced apart. Typically, a physician would need time to locate each one precisely before carefully inserting the needles. Even for an expert, no matter how swift, it should take at least a moment.

Yet, Sebastian had done it in the time it took to blink.

After administering the needle treatment, he handed Salvador a Tranquil Pill to ease the pain. The effect was immediate. Color returned to the king's face; he was no longer so deathly pale.

Once the needles were removed, Sebastian prescribed a treatment plan. Then, reaching into his medicine chest, he retrieved a small porcelain bottle.

"Most believe Snowdrop Pills only strengthen the heart, but they also nourish the body and support the internal organs.

"The upcoming treatment will require aggressive medication, and Snowdrop Pills will help protect His Majesty's liver and kidneys. Normally, one pill should be taken every seven days. But with supplies scarce, even my personal reserves are dwindling. For now, this will have to suffice until I can gather the ingredients to make more."

Everyone understood the rarity of Snowdrop Pills. Given the current shortage at Arcane Sanctum, this bottle was likely one of Sebastian's most prized possessions.

For Salvador, merely having the pain alleviated was already a great relief.

He opened his mouth to reward Sebastian, but before he could speak, the physician cut in, "I thank Your Majesty for granting me rest. I happen to be quite exhausted."

Salvador hesitated. Gold and silver seemed far too common a reward. Seeing that Sebastian had no further requests, the king ordered someone to escort him to his quarters for some much-needed rest.

When only Rafael remained in the hall, Salvador instructed Derek to bring the reports. Now that the pain had eased, he had the energy to tend to state affairs once more.

Rafael pulled a chair over, seating himself where Carissa had knelt earlier. Salvador studied him carefully. Since returning to the capital, Rafael had not regained any weight, remaining as lean as ever.

Carissa's words of how her husband had been too anxious to sleep or eat properly echoed in the king's mind. It seemed she had spoken the truth.

"Would you like something to eat?" Rafael asked, noting the hollowness of his brother's cheeks.

The king had grown so thin, with barely any flesh left on him.

"I'm not hungry. Sit with me for a while," Salvador replied, slowly pushing himself

up.

Rafael reached out to steady him, slipping a soft cushion behind his lower back.noveldrama

No sooner had he settled than he said, "I need to relieve myself."

"I'll call someone to bring a chamber pot-"

Salvador waved him off, a look of distaste crossing his face. "No. I want to walk.

My feet haven't touched the ground in days. Walk with me."

The moment his feet touched the floor, it was as if he had stepped onto clouds. Unsteady, his legs numb and weak, he nearly lost his balance. But with Rafael supporting him, he managed a few steps Gradually, the feeling returned to his legs and his strength grew.

He let out a faint laugh. "I should thank you for bringing Healer Dalton to the

palace. Tonight, I might finally sleep well."

"I dare not take credit," Rafael replied.

Slowly, they made their way to the side chamber. Rafael intended to accompany

him inside, but Salvador waved him off.

"Wait here. I'll manage on my own."

Rafael knew his brother's pride. Though worried that Salvador might stumble, he had no choice but to wait outside. Only when he heard faint rustling sounds from inside, followed by the halting trickle of urine, did he feel at ease.

When Salvador finally emerged, he no longer needed support. Though his steps were unsteady, he made his way back to his bedchamber and eased himself onto a chaiseđounge, reclining halfway.

His breathing remained faintly labored, but a wry smile played at his lips. "When

you went to fetch Healer Dalton, Carissa scolded me."

Rafael handed him a cup of water. "Don't hold it against her. She's always been blunt, but she means no harm."

"She was right." Salvador took a sip before waving the cup away, then turned his gaze toward Rafael. "She said I should be the one who knows you best." Rafael set the cup down, his expression unreadable. "We are brothers." Salvador's eyes softened as he murmured, "Yes... You are my brother."