Salvador seemed much more clear-headed now, no longer as muddled as he had been in the palace.
He smiled. "There's no need for formality. Please relax. I only came here to the estate to see Mr. Spencer and have a chat. I was feeling a bit restless."
Carissa replied, "In that case, I won't keep you from your conversation with Kyle. We shall take our leave."
"Don't rush off," Salvador said, his gaze turning toward her with genuine concern. "Since you're here, stay and talk for a while. How is your injury? Are you feeling better?"
Carissa lowered her hand again, which she had just propped up, and answered, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It's getting better, but the physician insisted I rest in bed for a few more days."
"I see." Salvador nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Injuries to the muscles and bones need proper care."
He said this, but he didn't allow Carissa to leave. Everyone in the room stayed, either sitting or standing, and kept them company.
After a moment of silence, Salvador spoke first. "Is there any supper? I'm feeling hungry."
Hearing this, Derek quickly said, "His Majesty didn't have dinner. I'll make arrangements right away."
Everyone immediately became more lively, asking Salvador what he wanted to eat. However, Salvador simply asked what was available.
"Your Majesty, you may have whatever you wish. If we don't have it here, we can have someone bring it from the Glimmering Tower," Kyle answered.
Salvador thought for a moment before replying, "No need to go to all that trouble. Just make me a bowl of noodles."
Lily herself took to the kitchen, preparing a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup with shredded meat, fresh parsley, leeks, and a poached egg. The fragrant bowl of noodles was soon placed before Salvador.
Salvador had only intended to break the silence, not really hungry at first. But as the smell of the fresh parsley and leeks reached him, his appetite stirred. He finished the whole bowl, drinking most of the broth too. Then, he leaned back, clearly satisfied.
"These noodles are quite good. A reward is in order."
Lily was overjoyed and eagerly accepted her reward. After all, when the king bestowed a gift, how could a servant not be delighted?
Salvador was generous as always and handed her a silver ingot. Lily thanked him profusely before leaving in high spirits.
Afterward, Salvador made another request. "I'd like to see Mr. Spencer paint."
"Commander Sinclair, don't speak. Just stay there and watch."
Carissa swallowed her words, nodding quietly in acknowledgment.
She turned her attention to Kyle, watching as his brush moved swiftly and skillfully, drawing a series of lines that gradually took shape. Then, he connected the lines, adding detail or leaving gaps. Soon, the outline of a face that strongly resembled Salvador emerged.
The room was eerily silent, with nothing but the sound of controlled breathing from everyone present.
Violet usually couldn't stand such a dull scene, but she stayed, sitting on the small table in front of Carissa. She leaned against Carissa, occasionally adjusting the thin blanket on the latter's lap.
Carissa fixed Violet's hairpin, making sure it was in place. Then, she gently supported Violet's shoulder as she adjusted the latter's posture.
Salvador watched the little details of their interaction, his gaze softening and growing distant. He suddenly said, "It's nice to have friends."
His unexpected words surprised everyone in the room. However, Kyle remained focused, his brush moving swiftly across the paper.
Once Kyle was in his zone, no one could disturb him except for Everett.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Her Graceful War Song
What happens to the other chapters, I've been waiting to read more of this story, the character's and the screening are fantastic, very intriguing story...
Next chapter please, what's happening...
Very captivating novel....
Both content and context are very intriguing, the writer style of pulling out characters in their unique ways are profound,I have recommended this book because it's very captivating...