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.

keen on having Logan marry Kiera. Carissa planned to first learn about Logan's character. If he was trustworthy, she would then

about his intentions. After her failed marriage with Barrett, Carissa felt that simply following parental orders and the advice of matchmakers was no longer sufficient -mutual agreement between the two people involved in the

you upset?" Helen asked after Carissa had been silent for a

upset," Carissa said, pushing those thoughts to the

said I would give you half if you got the money back for me.

softly. "Please keep your money, Mother. I can't accept it

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

If Aunt Eleanor and Jessica deceived you and took your money, isn't it only right for me to stand up for you

Helen glanced at her

daughter-in-law's calm profile,

had been reviewing the accounts. When Helen felt extremely cold, Carissa had instinctively wrapped

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

was, of course, referring

smiled but

as others had claimed In fact, she was quite the opposite. It was