Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

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.

a stern look. "We never consummated the marriage. He's not your lord. Go

dowry list?"

the forehead. "Silly girl, why would we

and gasped. "But your mother arranged this marriage, and your father

Carissa's eyes at the mention

six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to

child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where

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

her heart out. The pain she felt was

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

was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep. Her mother had chosen Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another

months ago,

servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally

assailants. After further investigation, they were