Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

"So, did you marry me because you truly liked me, or simply because your mother chose me for you?" Barrett asked softly.

Carissa replied, "That question is pointless."

"I want to know," he insisted quickly.

Carissa's brow furrowed again. "Barrett, you've never understood your place. When you were my husband, you didn't get it. You're Aurora's husband now, and you still don't get it."

Barrett's eyes darkened as he looked at her, his tone turning cold.

"So, you never really liked me. You married me only because your mother told you to. I knew it! I just wanted to have another wife, but you immediately went to the palace to request a divorce. You never had any feelings for me. You were the one who was heartless first, but you made it seem like I wronged you!"

Hearing that, Carissa grew exasperated.

"Whether I had feelings for you or not is beside the point. From the day I entered the Warren family, I served your parents without a single day of neglect.

"I did my duty. I was devoted and respectful, and I waited for your triumphant return. And you? You promised me when you proposed, and before you left for battle, you told me to wait. I waited a year, only for you to come back and inform me that you had used your military achievements to take Aurora as a wife.

"Barrett, I fulfilled my duties as a daughter-in-law and a wife. From the moment I married into your family to the day I left, I have a clear conscience. And you? Can you look me in the eye today and tell me, with a clear conscience, that you kept your promises to me and my mother?"

Barrett was left speechless.

weight of the moment and turned

but with a great battle looming, she couldn't bear to be entangled in such personal

She had to leave.

at her retreating

accuse her? What right did he

wounds had already been inflicted. What was the point in dwelling on

He was now Aurora's husband, and his words and actions must be worthy of Aurora. Carissa was an outsider now. He couldn't afford to fail

perfect. At her core, she was kind, upright, and loyal

leave, when he heard

doing in there

Carissa's way, her face full of hostility. Carissa glanced

explanation," she said before

wonder I couldn't find you! If a subordinate didn't tell me you were with Carissa, I

to the couple's argument. The further she stayed from them,

new year, Rafael issued the order to