Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time.

She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family!

"She'll come around. She doesn't have any other choice," Rebecca said coldly.

That was true.

With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn't like she had been mistreated.

Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate.

The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa's heart ached fiercely.

Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been massacred. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother-their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stained with blood.

Memorial plaques for her ancestors and mother had been placed at the estate's family chapel. Carissa and Lulu prepared flowers to place on the plaques, their tears unceasing.

eyes were swollen from crying, they held

hear me from heaven, please forgive your daughter for what she is about to do. It's not that I don't want a peaceful life with a husband

knelt beside

a carriage and headed straight for the palace. It was noon by the

of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour,

edict about the marriage. You didn't eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up

"I'm not hungry."

the unwavering resolve to dissolve her marriage and return

It's not worth getting sick over. Why don't we just let it go? After all, you're still the rightful wife and the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife, she'll just be a glorified concubine at best. Maybe we should just endure it?" Lulu

gaze was cold. "Lulu, if you're going to talk like that, don't speak at

unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some peace. But the situation

had already reported Carissa's arrival to

is still waiting outside the palace gates," he

can't see her. The edict has been issued, and I can't take

to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She's been standing

a reward for his military service. I didn't want to agree, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have