Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1170

As the ladies were chatting, Ruth sent someone to privately ask Carissa to join her. After receiving the invitation, Carissa checked with Victoria for permission and went.

Ruth was Augustus' concubine, and she was supposed to be living in comfort on her son's fief. Instead, she remained alone in a secluded palace in the royal palace.

When Carissa followed Oscar into Everlasting Palace, the atmosphere struck her as cold and desolate. There was no sign of festivity or hint of the holiday spirit. It felt as if they were not only separated by a few palace halls, but also by an unbridgeable divide of heaven and earth.

Since winter had set in, Ruth's health had worsened. Yuvan's son, Randall, had remained in the capital. Today, he was in the palace, attending to his grandmother.

Upon seeing Carissa, Randall rose and bowed. "Greetings, Your Grace."

Carissa gave him a cool glance. "Greetings, Your Highness. I see you've come to the palace today."

"Yes, I'm here to keep my grandmother company." Randall felt uncomfortable under Carissa's gaze, so he couldn't meet her eyes.

Carissa ignored him and stepped forward to offer her greetings to Ruth.

Ruth was lying in bed, supported by two soft embroidered pillows. Her face was a sickly yellow, her eyes sunken. Her hair was unkempt and hung loosely, streaks of white strands scattered around her face—a result of staying in bed for so long.

She looked at Carissa, coughed once, then said in a slow, feeble voice, "Your Grace, please sit. There's no need for formalities."

Her speech was labored and barely audible.

A palace maid brought a chair and placed it by the bed. Oscar gestured to it. "Your Grace, please sit closer. Lady Ruth is weak, and her voice is faint. It will be easier to hear if you're closer."

Carissa thanked Ruth and sat down, then asked softly, "Are you feeling any better, Your Grace?"

Ruth sighed. "I suppose it's no use hoping for improvement."

She applied a bit of lip balm to her dry lips, but instead of improving her complexion, it only made her already pale face look even more lifeless.

Oscar approached to wipe away Ruth's tears. After a moment, Ruth continued, her voice thick with grief.

"And then there's my daughter-in-law. That poor woman! She endured so much suffering and torment, especially when she ended up in Verdant Monastery. To think she passed away without children to care for her—what a tragic end! Every time I think of it, it feels like a knife through my heart. But what can I do? I couldn't intervene, couldn't speak out, and couldn't help. I hope you won't think poorly of me, Your Grace."

Though Carissa showed no sign of displeasure on her face, she couldn't help but feel a touch of irritation in her heart.

How could Ruth not intervene, not speak out, not help? Even if it wasn't possible, had Ruth ever truly done anything to help?

It would've been better if Ruth didn't know, but she did.

Avis had been sent to Verdant Monastery without anyone to care for her. As a mother-in-law, Ruth could have sent someone to Valken to rebuke Yuvan and his family, or arrange for someone to care for Avis at the monastery. That would've at least shown some effort on her part.

"It's not for me to hold any grievances or offer forgiveness for what happened to my aunt. I have no right to speak on her behalf," Carissa said calmly.