Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Barrett was struck once again by the crushing weight of his situation.

Suddenly, he felt as if he had lost all sense of direction. His energy and spirit seemed to drain away, leaving him feeling as if he were adrift with nowhere to turn.

He had previously viewed Viola as dignified and virtuous, a cultured and considerate woman who was also highly respectful towards the servants. After all, she came from the Earl of Silverstone's family and had married into the Farrell family-a family of military prestige, with Thomas Farrell being a respected figure among the generals.

He had expected Viola to be as honorable and forthright as her late husband, someone who would be both courageous and kind-hearted.

Yet now, just a single order from her had led to the breaking of a man's arm.

While Barrett also resented the people who had thrown excrement at the estate, giving them a beating and letting them go after would have been good enough.

Why go so far as to break their limbs?

It wasn't a matter of compassion-it was about avoiding further public outrage and trying to quell the situation quickly. Now that the man's limbs were broken, Barrett feared that this incident would only escalate.

He stared at Aurora, his tone unwaveringly stern. "I'll check with Vi. When I come back, you'll still need to apologize."

Aurora managed a bitter smile. "Vi? It's been a long time since you've called me Rory. Now, it's just my name. Barrett, I truly made a mistake."

remaining silent for a

swallowing the sound. She refused to bend or break. She had to maintain her dignity. Yet, the walls she had built around her heart, once fortified by his

Rafael's marriage had already

regard Viola

because she knew, deep down, that Viola would never compare to

lost would always

true rival would always be Carissa, never Viola. Viola

strode out with determined

legs had been broken had reported the

that the officials had arrived, Viola panicked. She avoided meeting the Royal Citadel representatives and hid inside the house, instructing

arrived just in time

steward briefing the chief constable, "We never intended to break his limbs. We only meant to give him a good beating to teach him a lesson. Unfortunately, the

"Is there any possibility of resolving

returned the gesture.

him, the

continued sternly, "Whether this can be resolved depends on your negotiations. Our superiors have instructed us that if a resolution can be reached, that's best. If not, both the instigator