Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

In the carriage, Violet had relayed Carissa's instructions to Helen.

Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Helen was to use both grace and force. After witnessing Leona's pitiful condition, she was to unleash her full authority and intimidate everyone present, including the matriarch of the Earl of Gracehold's family.

Violet dragged Ruby into the room and, with a firm kick, sent the latter sprawling on the ground.

"Is that all you have? And you dare play tricks in front of the duchess? No one in this household stood up for the duchess. They all sided with this wretch. Lady Helen, please make your decision!" Abigail, who loathed the woman as well, knew that Ruby was her son's beloved. And since Samuel was Dorothy's favorite, Abigail tolerated Ruby in the household. Seeing Ruby now kicked and humiliated by Violet, Abigail couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Without lifting her head, Helen said coldly, "I'm not sure what the rules are in this household, but in the palace, if a concubine dared to offend or frame the queen, the choice was either a length of white silk or poisoned wine.

"Does this household not have these options? No white silk or poison? Surely there's still a punishment rod here, right?"

Noah knew that Helen was here to stand up for Leona. Generally, Helen would not involve herself in others' family affairs. Meanwhile, Carissa's absence suggested she didn't want to interfere with the internal matters of the Earl of Gracehold's family.

However, Helen was different. She was an honored concubine, and the late king was Harvey's brother. So, Helen represented Leona's maternal family. While it might not be entirely appropriate, it was still justifiable.

been displeased with Ruby. Hearing Helen's words, he immediately

trembled, trying to rise to maintain some semblance of dignity, but Violet delivered a swift kick to her shin, causing her to collapse

about

didn't shed tears. Instead, her face hardened with defiance. "You wealthy families who disregard human life-go ahead, kill me if you must.

branded with such

Violet. Helen was unfazed by such concerns,

dares?" Samuel shouted, his voice full

Everyone looked toward the

in a green silk dress with floral patterns, and a deep blue- cloud patterned cloak. Her hair was loosely styled, clearly having been undone for bed, but upon hearing that Helen had arrived, she had

he

ago, wasn't Ruby all high and mighty, aloof and untouchable? Now, suddenly, she was the pitiful one? "What happened to the promise of dragging her out and giving

Dorothy straightened up, her voice icy. "We will handle the affairs of our own household. There's no

flared. "If your

a decent person, I