Her Graceful War Song

Thomas laughed bitterly. "The rumors about my marriage intentions were spread on my orders. I can't now turn around and say it was to put an end to Viola's hopes and that I have no plans to marry at all. That would just make me look like a hypocritical scoundrel." Violet asked, "Then tell me, if you were genuinely thinking of getting married, would you consider Ms. Young?"

"My dear godsister, how could I possibly be worthy of her?" Thomas repeated his answer, then added, "Honestly, I don't know her well. I know she has a great reputation, but she's at least ten years younger than I am, and she would be my second wife. I can't put her through that." "She's happy to accept that," Violet countered.

Thomas chuckled. "How could she genuinely be happy? It's just a young girl's fleeting fantasy. As His Highness said, I should come up with a good excuse to decline gracefully, so as not to embarrass the Young family or the girl herself. Violet, you're clever-why don't you help me think of something?"

Violet replied, "I'm not going to help you reject her. Like my godmother, I'm hoping you'll marry and start a family soon to ease Viola's obsession."

"You little imp. You go on about how you don't want to marry, yet here you are pushing me into it!" Thomas said, exasperated.

"Everyone says a woman has no other path but marriage, but I refuse to believe that," Violet said, glancing at Carissa with a smile. "Besides, if I don't marry, Carissa will take care of me for life."

Rafael watched the sun sinking lower in the sky, his heart sinking along with it. Today was not a day they could have a nice day out.

He sighed inwardly.

He stole a glance at Carissa. She seemed genuinely intrigued by the banter between Thomas and Violet, as if she cared deeply about Thomas' prospect of marriage.

But really, she should focus on her own husband. He was feeling utterly dejected.

Thomas finally said, "Actually, there are plenty of women claiming they want to marry me, and I'm sure they'll change their minds in no time. If you don't believe me, you just need to wait and see. As for Mr. Young, it would be best for His Highness to send a reply. How he responds is up to him."

Rafael called out, his face impassive, "Someone fetch Jacob."

Thomas couldn't handle Trevor himself, and Rafael wasn't good at lying. So, it was best to leave the clever maneuvering to someone more adept.

Thomas clearly wasn't too concerned about the matter at hand. He had other issues he wanted to discuss with Rafael. So, he invited Rafael to his study for a private conversation.

"I've been investigating the assassination attempt at Valor Estate and have come across some findings. The assassin was targeting Aurora, and now the Capital Guards are on high alert..."

Rafael waved his hand dismissively. "I'm already aware of all this. Don't concern yourself with the investigation. Just wait for the king's assignment."

Thomas frowned. "But now that we've returned to the capital, we have nothing to do. The assignment is taking forever to come through, and it feels like we're wasting precious time." In plain terms, he couldn't stand idleness. Being idle made him restless.

"I suspect the king may appoint you

to Victory Pass or to oversee the garrison in the capital. General Xavier is getting old, it's about time for him to retire. However, the King is assessing your capabilities to see where you'd be best suited.

"But General Sullivan is stationed at Victory Pass," Thomas pointed out.

"There are some matters..." Rafael started, but then bit back the words. "I won't say more for now. Just refrain from investigating the assassination at Valor Estate. I know the whole situation. Also your team should limit contact with me for the time being. I called you over today for personal reasons. But if there's anything in the future, I might have Violet relay messages to you." NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

Thomas was momentarily stunned, not grasping the implications. Rafael had saved their team-why wouldn't they be allowed to maintain contact? But after a moment of reflection, the truth dawned on him. With the king's recent ascension and the throne still shaky, it was only natural to be wary of a prince with significant military accomplishments.

"Understood, Your Highness." Thomas nodded. "I'll wait patiently for my assignment."

He looked deeply at Rafael, a thought unspoken. No matter what, their team would always be part of the Sinclair Army.

And every member of the Sinclair

Army was loyal to the king and to the marshal. Rafael had once been the marshal of the Sinclair Army, leading the Hell Monarch Army alongside them to reclaim the Southern Frontier-a feat of unparalleled significance,