Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Rafael and Dylan led the way on horseback, while the carriage followed slowly behind.

Helen grasped Carissa's hand, her excitement almost impossible to contain. "I truly didn't expect you to successfully get all the money back. Others may not be aware, but I know Grand Princess Eleanor very well. She may appear amiable to everyone, but in reality, she's quite domineering."

Carissa gently pulled her hand away. "Now that you know what kind of person she is, it's best to keep interactions with her to a minimum in the future."

Helen nodded, but her expression grew worried. "I'm just concerned that if we fall out with her, she might speak ill of us in front of other ladies and tarnish our reputation."

"What's there to worry about?" Carissa said dismissively.

"Of course, you're not concerned. Your reputation is already in tatters, but I've just left the palace and can't afford to gain a bad name."

Carissa gave her mother-in-law a sidelong glance. Helen was really harsh with words, especially when speaking to those she considered her own.

Helen quickly realized her mistake and tried to clarify, "That's not what I meant. It's just that Kiera is currently looking for a husband. Eleanor has connections with many prominent families, so I'm worried she might spread rumors that could harm Kiera's reputation."

"Kiera is a high princess, and she's protected by the king and queen. She also has the backing of the Hell Monarch's household. Who would dare gossip about her? They'd be courting disaster," Carissa responded.

who seemed keen on having Logan marry Kiera. Carissa planned to first learn about Logan's character.

following parental orders and

Carissa had been silent

thoughts to the

would give you half if you got

keep your money, Mother. I can't accept

was puzzled. "If you don't want it, why did you go to such lengths to confront Grand Princess

and Jessica deceived you and took your money, isn't it only right for me to stand up for you and recover it?" Carissa

Helen glanced at her

daughter-in-law's calm profile,

Carissa had instinctively wrapped her in

kind to me. I'll remember that. I'm not like those

course, referring to

smiled but remained

was quite the opposite. It was clear that the former accusations by Eleanor about the Duke of Northwatch's