Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Barrett advanced and grabbed Aurora's wrist. "Let's go. We're going to Jadehill Estate."

Aurora pulled her hand away forcefully. "I'm not going!"

Barrett's expression darkened as he stood in the courtyard. "If you don't come willingly, I'll drag you there! You can either walk, or I'll tie you up and make you carry thorn branches on your back."

Carrying thorn branches on one's back was a traditional act of penance, where an individual who had committed a serious offense would bear thorny branches as a symbolic gesture of remorse and submission. The practice was a way to visibly demonstrate their sincere repentance and willingness to atone for their wrongs.

"You wouldn't dare!" Aurora's anger flared, her voice trembling with indignation. "All I did was say a few words-what crime have I committed that's so unforgivable I need to beg for forgiveness with thorn branches on my back?"

Barrett gritted his teeth in frustration. "You know what you've done! Your crimes are so severe, carrying those thorn branches would be a mercy! You deserve to be executed!"

He glanced at the maids nearby and roared, "Get out!"

Terrified, the maids scrambled to leave.

Aurora stared at him with reddened eyes. "You don't treat me with even a fraction of the kindness you once did! You clearly loathe me. If that's the case, why did you marry me?" Barrett was on the brink of breaking down. He shouted at Aurora in frustration, "I was a fool! I was blind! I mistook you for someone honorable and courageous, but you're not!"

which is why you married me. But when Carissa refused to accept that you were marrying another wife, you revealed your true colors.

words had struck the very

on the past with you, but you must come with me to Jadehill Estate today. And as for the person you

recalled what had happened on the previous day and asked,

anger flared.

yel

ret

pelted the estate with dung yesterday-you were the one who caught him and broke his limbs. He's already reported the incident to the Royal Citadel. You'll be visited by

Aurora's face turned pale with anger. "It wasn't

a cold stare. "Why don't you ask Viola?

raised a hand dismissively. "Impossible! Viola is gentle

of such cruelty, while

have given such orders. He was adamant

time you've done something like this. We both know what you're capable of. You dare to act cruelly, but can't

seething with rage, shouted, "Bring Viola to Forsaken Hall and