Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

After Margaret took her leave, Helen hurried into the sitting hall.

However, she only found Carissa sitting alone, leisurely sipping coffee, her expression contemplative.

Helen frowned and asked, "Wasn't Madam Winchester supposed to be here? I rushed over, thinking I'd get to have a chat with her."

Carissa rose and curtsied gracefully. "Mother, Madam Winchester just left a short while ago."

"She's gone?" Helen said, out of breath, sinking into a chair. "Wasn't she here to talk to me?"

Her disappointment was evident. She thought Margaret had been here to see her. Helen often envied Eleanor, who was always surrounded by visitors from high society.

"She was here for you as well," Carissa explained gently. "But when she heard you were still recovering from last night's festivities, she didn't want to disturb you and left early."

With just one glance at Helen's expression, Carissa could tell what was on her mind. Her mother-in-law's thoughts were never hard to guess.

"Overindulging in wine has its consequences," Helen muttered, her thoughts turning to her son's outburst the previous night. She glanced at Carissa carefully, and asked, "Did Rafael give you a hard time last night?"

Carissa cleared her throat lightly and answered, "No, he just said a few words to me, and that was it."

Helen could tell

her son better

everything was fine, he could be pleasant enough, but when something truly angered him, a few words wouldn't smooth things over. She suspected Carissa had endured much more of his temper than she

was trying

know you're in charge of the inner courtyard, and matters like taking concubines should be your decision. But if he doesn't like it, don't bring it up again. It'll only provoke his scolding or wrath. Men, when

didn't have to attend court today, you wouldn't have been able to get out of bed." Embarrassed, Carissa quickly turned her head away and

called out, "Gillian, instruct the kitchen to prepare some royal

about Serena, and

aimed at her own son!" Although Helen had been in high spirits the night before and hadn't noticed all the details, she had pieced things together through the

the sake

let people say whatever they want. There's no way I'd allow her through the door! A little thing like her, with a hundred schemes

scheming people. She knew she couldn't outmaneuver them, so she preferred to

they'll be crushed one by one.

thought about

strict household with countless rules. It wasn't easy even for

tough