Her Graceful War Song

Carissa ended up with a mouthful of dust. The sandy ground was nothing like the grassy fields. It had no beauty at all, just clouds of dust flying everywhere. Even standing inside the racetrack, she could hardly see who was in the lead.

It looked like Joseph's youngest son, Ingram Carter.

As the horses cleared the hurdles, it became clear that it was indeed Ingram. His horse had pulled ahead by a full length, and he continued to extend his lead with impressive speed.

While lively, the race was not a formal contest. It was merely a display to flatter the royal princes, so the position of first place held little significance.

None of the riders were willing to push themselves too hard, lest they raise the princes' anxiety by excelling too greatly. Thus, the others refrained from catching up. However, the pace was swift, even if it was not their peak performance.

By the time the current riders reached the third lap, Ryan and the three princes were preparing to mount their horses. Once the current race was completed, the four children would make their own entrance.

Cecil was already on his horse. The handsome young boy on the horse looked quite impressive. There was no trace of nervousness in his demeanor as he gripped the reins and adjusted his posture. He even leaned forward slightly to calm his horse.

Ryan and Caden followed, mounting their steeds with varying degrees of ease before turning their attention to Connor. Ryan's eyes held encouragement, while Caden's face was pale, his hand trembling ever so slightly as it gripped the reins. Mistaking his brother's tension for nerves, Connor gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Caden. You ride better than I do. Even I am not afraid anymore."

Caden's palms were slick with sweat. A sharp, cold wind blew, and the sand stung his eyes. He barely saw how Connor mounted. All he noticed was the fluidity of the movement, the way his older brother seemed to settle onto the saddle with practiced ease.

Then came the scream of a horse in agony-a sound that struck terror into everyone present.noveldrama

As soon as Connor mounted, his steed went mad and thrashed violently. He pulled at the reins in a desperate attempt to calm the animal, waiting for the stableman to arrive. But before the stableman could reach the horse's head, the steed reared and bolted, its hooves pounding against the earth as it charged across the track, wild with panic.

The entire scene unfolded in the blink of an eye, a moment of chaos so swift that it left no time for reaction.

As Connor was flung violently from his horse, the riders on the track behind him failed to halt their own horses in time. Several were unable to avoid trampling him

as their steeds stumbled and tumbled over his fallen form.

A collective breath was held in horror.

Then, sharp screams pierced the air.

In an instant, Several figures darted across the field. Carissa

immediately dove to grab Connor, pulling him to the side with all her

might The others rushed to e

stop the horses from charging forward, while Thomas promptly set off in pursuit of the maddened steed.

Carissa clutched the eldest prince in her arms, trembling as the heavy scent of blood filled the air.

Connor's form was limp, as though

1.n

every bone had vanished from his body. Even his neck was unable to support itself, leaving him lying weak against her chest. His face and head were covered in blood, and he spat more from his mouth. His gaze was unfocused, but his eyes cleared slightly when they met her face.

With great effort, he murmured, "It's a pity... a pity I did not finish..."

As he spoke, blood flowed from his lips, staining his cheeks and his clothes.

"Do not speak," Carissa urged. "It is nothing, you are safe now."

She held him tighter, then shouted, "Sebastian! Sebastian!"

"Connor! Connor!" Kylie's agonizing scream rent the air as she staggered down from the raised platform.

With Derek's support, Salvador descended as well. However, it was Sebastian who arrived first.

Ryan dismounted from his horse and approached, his hands trembling as he covered his mouth to stifle the sobs that threatened to break free. Tears streamed down his face, but he dared not interfere. Instead, he stepped aside to kneel in silent prayer.

Caden shakily walked over. When he saw Connor's body, he dropped to his knees with a choked sob. His whole body was wracked with tremors, tears flooding his face.

Cecil was also stricken. Someone hastily scooped him up, bearing him swiftly from the scene.

Sebastian immediately took command, instructing the servants to raise partition screens. And without a moment's hesitation, he rushed in to tend to the eldest prince.

Though barely conscious, Connor gripped Carissa's sleeve with what little strength remained in him. She made no attempt to pull away, staying close by as the screens were set up around them.

Outside, Kylie's cries could be heard

as she attempted to force her way

ét

quickly

into the area, but Salvad

intervened, gesturing for the servants to restrain her. His face was ashen as he stepped past the screens into the makeshift room. The stench of blood hit him like a physical blow, but he forced himself to remain steady.

Yet, he couldn't hide the tremble in his voice as he said, "Spare no effort... no

expense. Save him! Save him!"