Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Serena's voice trembled with frustration as she shouted at Barrett, "Barrett, your accusations are so unfair! If you hadn't been demoted, would I have been forced to do this?"

Barrett's reply was sharp, his tone unforgiving, "Since when does my future need you meddling in it? I will fight for my future on my own! You did this for yourself! You have feelings for Prince Rafael-what's so special about him that all of you keep chasing after him?"

Serena had been putting on an air of self-righteousness, but she was now completely exposed. Hearing her brother disparage the man she loved, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.

"He's much better than you! Even Carissa would rather divorce you and marry the prince! Doesn't that prove he's far better than you? Besides, which noblewoman in the capital doesn't want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort?"

Barrett's expression darkened. "You want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort, but he already has a legitimate wife. Your dream is bound to fail."

Serena cried bitterly, "Don't you think I know that by now? But my plan was that even if I entered the household as a concubine, once I won the prince's favor, replacing Carissa would only be a matter of time! Aren't you all also angry with her? She sought an edict for divorce and dragged our family's reputation through the mud! Yes, I had my own motives, but I also wanted to defend our family's honor!"

"Enough!" Rebecca had finally regained her composure after listening to the siblings argue. Her sharp voice cut through the room, "Both of you, be quiet!"

Taking a deep breath, she turned her gaze to Serena, her eyes cold and piercing. "You said the Marquis of Ironridge, Lord Winchester, touched you?"

arm around my waist. Though he let go quickly, everyone

of everyone, Lord Winchester will have to take responsibility. The Marquis of Ironridge's family is one of the top

borne his children. If you marry in as a concubine, you'll still have an advantage. It's well known that Lord Winchester and Lady Jessica don't get along,

"No, Mom! I don't want to marry Lord Winchester! Lady Jessica hates me if

you

children, and the concubine is favored.

to use you, so you might as welluse her. Once you've secured your position in

he'll help your father

in court. That's the only way you'll truly have a good life

my own. She's the legitimate daughter of our family-how could she ever become a concubine?" Rebecca replied coldly, "Lord Winchester touched her. Her reputation is ruined. What family would want

or third son of a sixth or seventh-rank official, or even a scholar. It's still better than

face pale. "I refuse to