Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Chapter 937

The next day, Winona's sources gathered information that after the Westhaven envoys had checked into Concord Lodge the day before, Harvey had secretly returned to his estate. Early this morning, he had disguised himself and left again, apparently mobilizing some people. Winona thought for a moment, then seemed to understand Harvey's intentions.

"Be careful. If he's working with Leroy, he might try to make a move against you," she said. Carissa nodded. 'Got it."

In fact, Rafael had already informed her the night before, having spotted someone amongst the Westhaven guards who resembled Harvey. So, the two of them had spent the whole night speculating, coming up with various possibilities.

The royal banquet hall glittered under the lights, as bright as daylight, its beams twinkling like stars in the sky.

By the time Rafael and Carissa arrived, the Westhaven envoys had already entered the palace and were seated to the right of the hall. The guards and palace attendants waited outside. As weapons were not permitted inside the palace, the guards weren't armed with

swords.

Victoria and Kylie sat at the head of the room. Since the banquet hadn't started yet, they were busy entertaining Lisandra.

Normally, Victoria wouldn't have come, but she heard that the Westhaven grand princess was attending. The queen dowager had a fondness for capable women, so she ignored her persistent cough and insisted on making an appearance.

At the moment, Lisandra and Victoria were deep in conversation. What was surprising to Carissa, however, was that the two of them spoke without needing an interpreter. At times, they used Starhaven's language, Stellish. At other times, they switched to Westhaven's tongue, Westic. It wasn't surprising that Lisandra spoke Stellish, but Carissa hadn't expected Victoria to be fluent in Westic.

Rafael and Carissa entered to pay their respects to Salvador first, then moved on to greet Victoria.

Upon hearing that Carissa was Hector's daughter, Dominic's granddaughter, and had distinguished herself during the Southem Frontier's reconquest, Lisandra couldn't help but study her a little longer. After observing her for a few moments, the grand princess shifted her gaze away, her expression complicated.

The Hell Monarch's household had gathered plenty of information on Lisandra, and the grand princess, in turn, had made inquiries about some important people in Starhaven, especially Carissa and Aurora. The former because of her family background and abilities, and the latter due to her involvement in the massacre at Victory Pass.

When Carissa stepped forward, Lisandra stood up and curtsied to her, her head bowed low, initiating a formal gesture of respect.

"Lady Carissa, the Hell Monarch's princess consort. I've long heard of your esteemed name,"

Lisandra said in fluent Stellish.

She addressed her as Lady Carissa instead of Commander Sinclair, because tonight, those entering the palace were either high-ranking royal relatives or powerful ministers and lords. Though Carissa held an official position in court, tonight, she was entering as a princess

consort.

As the banquet was meant to welcome the Westhaven envoys, other matters were set aside for now.

"Long have I admired you, Your Highness, Carissa said, curtsying respectfully. "It is a great honor to finally meet you today."

She was seated beside Lisandra. As the banquet had yet to begin, the group was just chatting casually. Of course, such conversations weren't open to just anyone.

Once seated, Carissa felt a piercing gaze on her. She looked up and met the eyes of a man sitting across from her. His features bore a striking resemblance to Liam's, though his eyes were sharper, colder, and full of disdain. He didn't even attempt to hide his scrutiny, and there was an unmistakable air of contempt in his gaze.

Rafael sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a light pat. "Mr. Stellwyn, we've met before. Do you remember?"

Though not as physically broad as Leroy, Rafael was tall and imposing, his presence more commanding than the other man.

Leroy's eyes flickered away from Carissa, turning to the prince with a forced smile. Earlier, he'd been speaking in Westic with Jeremiah, deliberately ignoring Starhaven's language.

Now, facing Rafael, he switched to flawless Stellish, saying, "How could I forget? It's been years, and you're no longer the young man you once were, Your Highness."

Rafael shot him a brief, cold glance, the weight of his gaze still lingering. "A young man should never be underestimated. Now, you're staring at my wife with such malice, Mr. Stellwyn. Is it because you think me weak, that I can be trampled upon?"

A flicker of displeasure flashed in Leroy's eyes. They had agreed to set aside past grievances for tonight-to offer the Westhaven envoys a warm welcome. Why was the Hell Monarch violating this truce and provoking him so openly? What was this all about?

Leroy glanced at Salvador, silently hoping he would rebuke the Hell Monarch

But at that moment, the Starhaven king shifted his gaze to Lisandra, smiling as he spoke," I've heard much about your king. A young and valiant ruler, he was on the battlefield by the age of sixteen. I must say, I have great respect for such courage."

Lisandra smiled graciously. You flatter us, Your Majesty. When you were crown prince, I heard that you too fought alongside Grand General Hector on the battlefield and were never defeated. It's truly your skills that I admire."

The polite exchange was nothing but mutual flattery.

While Edmund was indeed brave, his military accomplishments were minimal. As for Salvador's supposed undefeated record, it was more of a courtesy than a reflection of reality. Hector's strategic brilliance had kept them safe, and the wars at that time were not

large-scale, so claiming an unblemished record was more a compliment than a fact.