Her Graceful War Song

But Jaina had spent her childhood navigating the world alongside Lucas, and she had learned that human nature was far more complex. She had no familial ties with Eleanor, yet the latter had saved her and was supposedly looking for a husband for her. It all felt improbable.

Jaina had been in the capital for a while, and Eleanor never mentioned anything about a marriage proposal. Jaina was 25 years old now, and if Eleanor genuinely intended to arrange a match for her, Eleanor would have brought it up by now.

In truth, Jaina wasn't entirely sure how old she was. Lucas had said she was around seven or eight when he rescued her, so by that estimation, she must be in her mid-twenties now.

Furthermore, Eleanor held many banquets held at her palace. If she had any desire to present Jaina, she would have done so by now.

Yet every time, Jaina found herself locked away in the courtyard. She couldn't even step outside her room. The old maid explained that she hadn't learned the proper etiquette yet, and that going out might offend their esteemed guests.

"Do you really think there's more to the story of how Grand Princess Eleanor saved me?" Jaina asked, her breath coming in labored gasps.

"I'm not sure, which is why we need to investigate. Can you tell me what happened at that time? And what about the dissolution of your performance troupe?"

Jaina nodded, and recounted everything that had transpired in Stonebridge County.

Violet asked her detailed questions, knowing she would have to report back to Rafael and Jacob. She probed until she had every detail. Jaina explained everything thoroughly, especially about her struggles to survive after the performance troupe disbanded, right down to her encounters with the bandits.

When Jaina finished, her throat felt parched. After a moment of silence, she nervously asked, "When can I meet them?"

"You're currently staying at Grovehill Estate, so it's not convenient for you to go out. Besides, the Farrell family members can't keep inviting you out. I'll go back and discuss this with Jacob. He's more eager than anyone to meet you. Your grandfather and mother are also in the capital, and your father is waiting for you in Cloud County. Once Jacob confirms your identity, he'll certainly send someone to bring your father to the capital to see you."

Jaina covered her face as tears slipped through her fingers. She had never imagined she would have the chance to meet her family again in this lifetime.

No, she had thought about it before.

She thought that If she ever saw her family again, she would demand to know why they had abandoned her. But as she grew older, those feelings began to seem unreasonable.

"Actually, over the years," Jaina

lowered her hands and wiped her tears, "I've wondered myself. It felt weird, because I was thrown froma carriage was sick and disoriented at the time, but I still remember the person who tossed me out saying something about not wanting bad luck from a corpse in their carriage."

Violet handed Jaina a handkerchief, but she didn't take it. Instead, she pulled out her own to dry her tears.

"If it had been their own child sick

and near death, they could have at least waited until I passed away before burying me, even if I was an unwanted daughter. It wouldn't have delayed anything. Why throw me away while I was still alive? Itwas pouring rain then, and my heart aches every time I recall that scene, and I can't bear to think about it further."

Violet could only imagine the torment Jaina had endured. She must have been terrified after being abducted, and then fallen gravely ill during the journey. Human traffickers wouldn't help her. They feared exposure and didn't want to spend money on her. If someone fell ill, they would simply abandon them.

At that time, Jaina had been in such a haze of sickness that she mistakenly believed her parents had thrown her away.

It must have been painful for Jaina-who would want to confront such memories?

Jaina cried again. "I still have family! They didn't abandon me! They've been searching and waiting for me. You have no idea what this means to me, Ms. Spencer. After our performance troupe disbanded, the troupe leader left Stonebridge County without taking me with him. I thought I was completely alone, and that I had no one in this world. Being all alone like that is truly terrifying." Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Violet reached out and embraced Jaina, tears spilling down her own cheeks.

Now that Violet knew Jaina was Jacob's sister, she felt a deeper sense of connection, which only heightened her sympathy for Jaina.

Although she felt for her, Violet urged her to be patient. She held back the information that Jaina could reunite with her family after the Emberfest Festival. That plan had to remain confidential. Otherwise, Carissa would have a fit.