Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Below the walls, Barrett was aiding in the siege when he noticed Aurora leading her troops behind him.

Startled, he demanded, "What are you doing here? The marshal ordered you to stay in the rear with General Murray!"

"I told you, I'm here to help you gain merit," Aurora replied, her eyes flashing with determination. "Breaking through the city is a primary achievement. We can't let Carissa and her group take all the credit! Besides, when you present yourself before the military council and the king, you can mention that I fought in the vanguard."

"But you shouldn't disobey military orders!" Barrett said, exasperated.

"It doesn't matter as long as you achieve merit," Aurora said fearlessly.

She was going to receive lashes after the battle, anyway. That aside, she was confident Rafael wouldn't kill her. She was Starhaven's first female general, whom the empress dowager had acknowledged personally. She fought for the dignity of all women in the world!

Moreover, she was unsettled by how long Barrett and Carissa had spent alone strategizing. She felt compelled to prove herself; she believed that if she helped Barrett earn merit, he would align with her more firmly.

No matter how capable Carissa was, she couldn't help Barrett achieve this!

the siege. He ordered his troops to coordinate with

had brought a thousand troops, including

soldiers forward, Barrett was infuriated. He grabbed her arm and said, "Are you insane?

wrenched her arm free, and raised her sword. "Zeke, lead our

one of her subordinates, so he naturally obeyed her orders. He led the

was stunned at the

on? Their chaotic climb would

your men down! We've rehearsed our attack and defense! You weren't part of

Michael. "Up! Everyone,

into chaos. Michael's eyes were blazing with rage

her sword in hand, her voice cold. "Lieutenant Brown, besieging a city is the most dangerous task. My soldiers are willing to sacrifice themselves to reclaim the Southern Frontier. Calling them back now would harm

Michael shoved her aside, and bellowed at the soldiers climbing the

mess, and the Mystic Army was pulled down. Some who managed to climb up without shields were speared by the enemy and

agony filled the air. Michael and Barrett were