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 a determined

Mom, if you can 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 and children, but Barrett is not someone I can trust with my life. Rest

beside

carriage and headed straight for the

palace gates. They waited for a full

"My lady, the king might not see you. Maybe he thinks you're here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didn't eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up okay? Should I go get you something to

"I'm not hungry."

the unwavering resolve to

the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife,

going to talk like that, don't speak

hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some

already reported Carissa's arrival

is still waiting outside the palace gates,"

king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. "I can't see her. The edict has been issued, and I can't take it back. Tell her to go

refused to leave. She's been standing there for over

guilt. "Barrett requested the marriage as 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 made significant