Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1279

By noon the next day, both Rafael and Carissa awoke lazily, their bodies still heavy with the remnants of sleep.

Their eyes met, and Rafael's gaze darkened. The sleep had restored him completely, filling him with energy. He pulled her close, his lips brushing her ear.

Carissa quickly pushed him away. "We need to get up!"

Lulu was waiting outside. When she heard noise from inside the room, she feared they would be distracted again and hurriedly called out, "Your Highness, Your Grace, Lady Helen has sent someone three times already."

Rafael reluctantly withdrew his hand from its resting place, his gaze still burning with intensity. His tone was commanding yet playful. "I'll listen to you now, but tonight... You'll listen to me."

The night before, Rafael had returned too late to greet Helen.

Normally, she never fussed about where he went, even if it was to the battlefield.

It wasn't that she didn't know the dangers of war, but Helen had always had complete faith in her son's invincibility.

However, this time, with most of the household sent away and the atmosphere tense, she too had become nervous.

When Carissa returned the night before, Rafael had not been around. Although Carissa had said he was in the palace, Helen hadn't actually seen him, and worry gnawed at her.

Even today, after sending people to check multiple times, she was told they still hadn't gotten up. She could hardly believe it—since when were those two so lazy? Even when there wasn't a morning court session, they would usually be up by dawn.

Now, Helen truly experienced what it meant to be anxious and worried.

At last, she saw them appear hand in hand, both dressed in formal clothes—the man exuded authority, and the woman radiated elegance.

Never before had Helen been so patient, waiting for them to properly complete all the formalities before finally allowing them to rise and take their seats.

This time, the worry had been too much. She felt it took a toll on her. Even if they were to take their time and slowly offer their greetings to her, she would endure it.

After the formalities, the two of them went their separate ways—Rafael to the Supreme Court, Carissa to the Capital Guard headquarters.

Today, they needed to properly interrogate Tiberius.

After confessing, Tiberius broke down in tears before Rafael. "I never cared for his promise of a princely title. It's just the expenses! I was just trying to make a living with those 5,000 silver coins a year. I'm no traitor—I swear I'm loyal!"

Tiberius sobbed, his face streaked with tears and snot. "Believe me, my nephew! I have no intention of treason. I've told you everything I know. You have to help me—please! I'm innocent!"

Seeing the man sobbing and rambling the same excuses over and over, Rafael realized he didn't know much about Yuvan's rebellion. He ordered his men to lock Tiberius up to prevent any suicide attempts and reassured him that he had nothing to fear.

Reporting this information was a meritorious act, and Salvador wouldn't have him executed. Rafael added that if anything else came to mind, Tiberius should report it immediately.

The hope in Tiberius' eyes flared up at that. He stopped crying, nodding eagerly. "I will. I'll think hard. We cannot let these rebels succeed!"

Randall had been watching the entire exchange. At first, he had been afraid—afraid of being caught up in this mess, afraid that others might accuse him of betraying his dad for personal gain.

But as he watched Tiberius' disgraceful behavior, a sudden calm washed over him. If it came down to it, so be it—he would rather face death than stoop so low and lose all dignity like that.

At least he would hold onto his pride as a man.