Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 1209

About an hour later, Trevor sent someone to escort Rosalind.

Rosalind watched as Josie picked out the most delicate, exquisite clothes for her, pairing them with carefully matched jewelry. After much thought, Rosalind decided to simply go as she was.

She wore a white gown paired with a soft apricot-yellow cloak. The outfit was simple and unassuming, as though she were about to take a casual stroll in the garden, rather than attending a formal gathering or discussing matters of her future.

When she reached the main hall of the outer courtyard, she saw a crowd of people, the scene quite grand.

Then she saw him.

His gaze met hers, deep and piercing, yet tinged with restraint.

She couldn't meet his eyes for long, her heart thundering in her chest, cheeks flushed with heat.

But the etiquette was ingrained in her, and she forced herself to approach each person, making her way forward. When Alice saw her, a deep sense of joy filled her heart. She immediately took Rosalind's hand and said warmly, "Child, I know these days have been hard on you."

The kindness of an elder brought Rosalind to the brink of tears. She fought to keep her composure, her throat tight as she forced the words out, "Thank you, Mrs. Farrell. It's nothing, truly. A little hardship is nothing."

Natalie, the prime minister's wife, felt a pang of sorrow at Rosalind's state. How could such a talented, graceful young woman be reduced to the subject of such gossip?

She said softly, "My dear, I'm here today as a matchmaker. Your grandparents wish to know your opinion, and I ask you now—do you consent to marry Thomas Farrell?"

Rosalind clutched her handkerchief, trying to appear calm and composed. For some reason, the feelings of frustration she had previously held back suddenly rushed to the surface. She almost lost her composure and cried right then and there, her throat choking up as she couldn't say whether she agreed or disagreed.

Everyone was waiting for her answer, but she couldn't find the words.

Thomas stood up and walked over to her, then nodded respectfully and said, "Ms. Young, may we speak privately for a moment?"

Rosalind didn't dare look at him, only nodding slightly and murmuring in response.

Thomas smiled gently. "Alright. Please have your maid remain nearby, and we'll talk for a moment."

"But I want to try… I know it might seem like I'm taking advantage of the situation, and if you don't agree, I'll understand. But if you do, I promise I'll cherish you every single day I live."

Rosalind blinked, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, her lashes heavy with them. "But back then, I was so selfish. And now, my reputation is ruined. Don't you despise me?"

He shook his head, his words coming more easily now, each one heartfelt.

"You weren't selfish, not at all. On the contrary, I admire you. You're not impulsive; you think things through. You're calm and steady, always considering your family, honoring your parents and grandparents, and never forgetting the care they gave you.

"I respect that deeply. Perhaps it was the moment you turned me down that I realized I truly liked you. At the time, I didn't think I was worthy of you, and I didn't dare to push for it. But now, I'll be staying in the capital. You wouldn't have to follow me far away or leave your family. Though I can't guarantee I'll never leave the city—I'll have to go to war if it comes to that—I can promise you that when I'm by your side, I'll treat you well."

He said a lot of "thoughs" and "buts" because he knew there were many uncertainties ahead. But what he was sure of was his feelings for her.

At this moment, he was opening his heart and letting her know how he felt.