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

don't want a peaceful life with a husband

beside her, sobbing

carriage and headed straight for the palace. It was

like statues in front of the palace

you. Maybe he thinks you're here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didn't

"I'm not hungry."

thing Carissa felt was the unwavering resolve to dissolve her

and the lady of the Warren family. Even

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

feeling lost and unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that

the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa's arrival to the

is still waiting

"I can't see her. The edict has been issued, and I can't take it back. Tell her to go

but she refused to leave. She's

a reward for his military service. I didn't want to agree, but not granting