Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244

Once the boy had fallen into a deep sleep, Carissa went to find Rafael and showed him the note Ryan had written.

The prince’s expression was complex as he read the note. Did he resemble those thugs who had beaten Ryan? Perhaps so. After years on the battlefield, he had developed a certain harshness.

Rafael sighed deeply. “We’ll take it slow. I’ll try to be more gentle.and smile at him. more often.”

Ryan needed healing, both physically and emotionally.

“You’ve worked hard throughout this journey,” Carissa said.

Her gratitude towards Rafael was beyond mere words. However, there was something she needed to clarify.

She removed a hairpin from her hair and used it to adjust the wick of a lantern. The small flame flickered, casting a warm light over her gaunt face and pale lips.

She spoke softly, “Given Ryan’s condition, he’ll need me for at least two or three more years. If our marriage is to proceed, I’ll need to bring him to your estate with me. I can’t leave him alone at Northwatch Estate.”

Rafael’s handsome face remained calm, his dark eyes reflecting the lantern’s light

with a reassuring gleam.

“Our marriage will proceed as planned. I agree that Ryan shouldn’t be left alone at Northwatch Estate. He’ll need to be with us, to be cared for, detoxified of the drug, and have his leg treated. Once he’s better, he can continue his studies or go for martial arts training. Or if he doesn’t want to do either, that’s also fine. We can still take care of him. Regardless of what he chooses, I’ll treat him as my own child.”

His words eased Carissa’s worries. Considering everything that had happened, she realized that Rafael was genuinely dedicated to her. Even if their marriage lacked romance, they could at least maintain mutual respect.

However, she needed to find a way for Ryan to lower his defenses and accept Rafael. Otherwise, how would they coexist under the same roof in the future? *

Over the past few days, Ryan had been genuinely frightened of him. Whenever they got out of the carriage, the boy would first hide behind Carissa, not daring to even peek at Rafael. If the prince took a step closer, Ryan would tense up all over.

Rafael glanced at the paper on the table, his expression hardening. These traffickers, no matter how far they fled, would be hunted down. Rafael would avenge Ryan and the other children they had harmed.

The next day, the prince began to be much more amiable towards Ryan, even smiling occasionally. However, for some unknown reason, the child seemed even more fearful when Rafael smiled.

After two days of this approach proving ineffective, Rafael changed his strategy. Instead of trying to befriend Ryan directly, he focused on being kind to Carissa.

He showed concern for her, made considerate gestures, and was attentive to her needs. At first, Carissa was taken aback by his sudden gentleness and didn’t know how to respond. But she quickly realized the purpose behind his behavior and began to reciprocate his kindness and warmth.

Since Ryan was most attached to his aunt, treating her well would hopefully put the child at ease. However, after two days of this new approach, not only had Ryan’s wariness of Rafael not diminished, but it seemed to have increased.

It was truly puzzling!