Barrett sighed in frustration. "Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you'll be in separate wings. She won't compete with you for control of the

household. She doesn't care about those things."

"Do you really think I'm attached to managing this household?" Carissa countered.

Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett's mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations-all these things required money. This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running.

And this was her reward.

"Enough, I won't argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing," said Barrett, his patience wearing thin.

As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter.

"My lady, my lord was too much!" said Lulu, Carissa's maid, wiping her tears away.

never consummated the marriage. He's not your lord. Go fetch my dowry

dowry list?"

her on the forehead. "Silly girl, why would we stay in

your mother arranged this marriage, and your father wanted you to marry and

eyes at the mention of

They had six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to the battlefield. Three years

training as a child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where she also learned military strategy. When she returned home at fifteen, she learned

like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. You're the only child

like someone had gouged her heart out. The pain she felt

spent a year mastering the traditional values and duties expected of a noblewoman. She also learned accounting and how to manage

she was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep.

months ago, tragedy

massacred. No one was spared, not even the children or servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered. Carissa's youngest nephew had been only two and a half years old, born after the death of her

captured a few of the assailants. After further investigation, they were discovered to be spies from an

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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