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!

couldn't possibly argue during the siege. He ordered his troops to coordinate with the

She had brought

said, "Are you insane? We have a plan and steps for this siege! Your actions will

that. This credit can't go solely to Carissa!" Aurora wrenched her arm

so he naturally obeyed her orders. He led the

was stunned

going on? Their chaotic

and shouted, "Get your men down! We've rehearsed our attack and defense! You weren't part of the drills, and you'll only mess up

"Up! Everyone, up

eyes were blazing with rage as he yelled at Barrett, "What's

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

and bellowed at the soldiers climbing the ladders, "Anyone who isn't part of

climbing. The ladders became a mess, and the Mystic Army was pulled down. Some who managed to climb

of agony filled the air. Michael and Barrett were furious, but their shouts