Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 1621 - Bab 1630

The merchant ship docked, and Thomas led Elise and Selene ashore.On the way, Elise asked, "Did you come alone this time? Did the boys come with you?"Thomas smiled. "They didn't, but Rosalind did. We've been here for half a month, staying at Hearth Inn. This time, I came on your father's orders—partly to investigate the bandits and pirates around Port Liantra, partly to see if you had arrived safely. I also took it as a chance to take Rosalind out for a bit. The academy is on holiday for the New Year, so it was easy enough for her to take leave for a month or two."Elise brightened. "Ms. Young is here? That's wonderful! Please take me to see her quickly."Rosalind had been Elise's first teacher when she studied at the academy. She was clever but restless, never able to sit still. During her studies, she had been sent to Meadow Ridge several times, but was returned each time. Finally, she stayed at the academy until she was seven years old before trying Meadow Ridge again.Whether

Rosalind had learned these things quite by chance. And with that first sudden feeling of love, she grew to think even more highly of Thomas' noble character.She was of age to marry, after all. How could she not have dreamed, now and then, of the kind of man she might one day wed? Yet, those dreams were often just illusions. But when a real man appeared alive in her thoughts and dreams, she knew he was the one she wanted to marry.At first, her grandfather was against it. Besides the difference in their ages, Trevor thought about how Thomas had already been married before. Though Rosalind would be his lawful wife, she wouldn't be his first.She was the granddaughter of the royal chancellor, famous throughout the land. Many noble families in the capital sought her hand. Why, then, would she choose Thomas? He was just a soldier returning from battle, with no certain future.But Rosalind was determined, so Trevor had no choice but to yield. This was the only time in her life she acted

This was the first real trial in Thomas and Rosalind's marriage.The sweet days were suddenly mixed with bitter medicine.Such a matter required Thomas to make a decision. When he received the news, he hurried home without delay. He didn't even stop to greet his mother and went straight to Rosalind's room.He came back cold from the snow, with flakes resting on his shoulders. After shivering for a moment outside, he warmed his hands by the fire before daring to hold her.His voice broke as he said, "Why didn't you tell me you were ill? You must never do that again. If you feel unwell, you must tell me at once."With his return, Rosalind felt steadier and more at ease.But when Thomas saw how thin she had grown, tears filled his eyes. "I've let you suffer. It's my fault. I have not taken good care of you."As she laid her head against his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat, the worries and sadness of recent days slowly began to fade."I'm the one who has troubled you. Yo

The birth was not easy.The baby gave Rosalind a hard time for five long hours before he was finally born. At first, he didn't cry. The midwife had to tap the soles of his feet a few times before he burst into a loud wail. The moment he cried, everyone's hearts settled once more.Thomas had been so tense with worry that when he finally relaxed, his vision went dark and he fainted.Elise gasped. "I heard about that before. Mr. Jacob told me that Mr. Thomas once fainted in the delivery room and everyone teased him for it for a long time."Rosalind smiled. "Yes, it's true. He was made fun of because of that. The baby in this story was indeed Alaric."She went on to explain what happened after the birth. Because he was premature, Alaric was weak and often fell ill. He took medicine nearly as often as he took milk. Thankfully, by the age of three, he had grown stronger and begun training in martial arts to build his strength.The second child came much like Elise did—it was fate. Afte

My parents, Harvey and Heather, had truly fallen. Not even in my wildest dreams had I imagined that my timid and cautious father would one day take part in treason.My father and elder brother were executed, while my mother was imprisoned. I wasn't implicated in the scandal, as the whole capital knew they had long since severed ties with me.I used to swear that if they ever came to ruin, I wouldn't lift a finger to help them. But blood ties weren't so easily broken. Even if I couldn't forgive them in my heart, the pain was still there. I couldn't eat or sleep in peace.I went to Cari and pleaded to be allowed to send in some food and clothing at the right time. When my mother saw me, she wept bitterly and begged me to help her escape. I still couldn't break the habit of crying too easily, but my heart had hardened."When I was miserably trapped in the Langley family's mess, I begged you for help. You told me even a muddy pit has air to breathe, and that I ought to stay where I was