Her Graceful War Song

Carissa instinctively reached for Adrian's hand, only to see a different hand extended toward her.

The hand was broad and long, with a palm covered in calluses, fingers slender and nails neatly trimmed. Most importantly, just above the palm, she could see a white sleeve embroidered with griffin patterns. The griffin pattern was allowed to be used on a prince's wedding garment or even normal ceremonial robes, but the sky griffin pattern was not.

It was Rafael, her husband-to-be.

Regaining her composure, Carissa placed her hand in his. He, too, seemed unfamiliar with holding hands. He first enveloped her hand with his palm, then awkwardly turned it a few times to find a proper fit before finally interlocking their fingers.

Carissa's heart raced wildly, pounding so loudly it felt as though it might burst through her eardrums. But if it were possible, she would have heard Rafael's heartbeat quickening in tandem with hers, a sensation so intense it bordered on dizziness.

Rafael led her towards the carriage. It seemed there were murmurs that this was improper; typically, it was the matchmaker who led the bride to the carriage. But to hell with tradition.

Carissa was his bride, and also his princess consort.

He would lead her himself.

They would walk side by side toward the future he had always dreamed of.

Of course, they couldn't truly walk side by side, given the height difference, but who cared?

Rafael moved as if walking on clouds, this scene more dreamlike than any dream.

He had once been heartbroken and desolate, but who could have predicted that fate would treat him so well? He was so blessed.

Everett had given him a stern look earlier, implying his lack of decorum-no greeting or formalities observed.

But who cared about that now? If there were any punishment, so be it; a few lashes wouldn't hurt.

In Rafael's eyes, there was only Carissa-his bride and also his princess consort.

There were many people around them, but none mattered except for her.

He tried to steady his breath, fearing he might faint.

As they approached the carriage, he wanted to simply lift her into his arms for the rest of the way. However, he couldn't.

Despite his formidable strength, his body felt soft and unsteady at this moment. He felt as though he was stumbling with every step. Where was his self-control?

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Fortunately, the matchmaker was perceptive. She supported Carissa, and stabilized their pace until they finally arrived at the carriage.

At that moment, Carissa was dying to lift the veil and catch a glimpse of Rafael in his wedding attire. Her hands were almost under the veil when Winona gently tapped her back.

Well, with her master and fellow guild members present, she had been a bit careless, forgetting the etiquette her mother had taught her.

Once seated in the carriage, the curtains fell. At that instant, the sound of drums erupted, startling her so much that she jumped in her seat.

It was embarrassing, though fortunately no one saw.

Her heart, however, was pounding furiously.

But she wasn't afraid. Her master and fellow guild members, including Ryan, were all following the procession behind her. Her family was with her!

It was a pity she couldn't see how Rafael struggled to mount his horse, almost unable to climb onto the horse's back.

Laughter erupted from the crowd, and Rafael's face was as red as a tomato. Summoning his inner force, he performed a dashing leap onto the horse's back. Alright, he managed...

To land on the other side of the horse.

He was thoroughly embarrassed today.

The royal princes and nobles who accompanied the procession laughed so hard, they doubled over.

Everett's face darkened; he entertained thoughts of expelling Rafael from the guild, though he grudgingly decided to give him another chance.

Dylan understood that Rafael was simply too excited and practically on cloud nine, which caused his loss of composure. So, he stepped forward to help Rafael onto the horse.

Once on the horse, Rafael's cold, murderous glare swept over the laughing faces in the crowd. Where his gaze fell, the smiles instantly froze.

Fortunately, the sound of drums created a festive, lively atmosphere as they cleared the way.

In Carissa's procession, her attendants, along with Lily and Ryan, were following along. Holly and Frederick remained at Northwatch Estate to manage its affairs-land, estates, and shops. Someone had to oversee these matters to safeguard Ryan's inheritance.

Holly would train people to ensure that the household would be trustworthy when Ryan returned to assume his title.

Moreover, the daily offerings at the sanctuary hall needed to be attended by familiar faces.