Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa was silent for a moment before saying, "Lulu, show our guest out."

Heather's anger flared. "Carissa, I haven't finished speaking yet, and you're already so eager to drive me away? I am your aunt!"

In her rage, Heather threw a cup to the floor, her chest heaving with emotion.

Carissa glanced at the shattered cup on the floor. The liquid spread beneath her feet, dampening the tips of her shoes.

She raised her head to meet Heather's gaze, her voice stern and cold as she said, "If you had vented your anger this way at Gracehold Estate, by smashing a cup in front of them and cursing Samuel for his heartlessness, I would have been glad for Leona and still respected you as my aunt.

"But didn't you see how aggrieved Leona was that night? Yet, you were only making excuses. When she asked if you would accept her back into the house if she got a divorce, a simple nod from you would have been a great comfort, even if you only advised her to endure.

"Her words about divorce might have been spoken out of momentary distress, but your refusal only deepened her pain and despair. Did you ever consider that?"

Heather's face turned crimson with frustration as she shouted, "She can't get divorced! Have I wasted my breath telling you all this? If I had agreed to accept her back, what would have happened if she really returned with a child in her womb? Did you ever consider her situation? She respects you so much-how could you be so cruel to her?"

was now standing and stamping her feet in anger, with tears streaming down her face. She dabbed at her

legitimate wife. Why should she fear a courtesan from a brothel? Even if Ruby is Grand Princess Eleanor's

be so adamant about getting divorced. She has always listened to you. If you talk to her, she'll take your

she turned her body to the side to wipe her tears

felt a pang of sympathy. Still, she couldn't help raising her voice

are we afraid of?"

her tears, her

as she buried her face in her hands. "We're terrified of being sent to our fief. You know where it is it's a harsh, desolate

"You're afraid of facing hardship at your fief, so you choose to endure the humiliation of living in the

Leona to be

husband isn't serving in court. He's just a leisurely prince. No one cares whether he goes to his fief or not Your constant worry is

well, "The king's will is hard to fathom. What do you know? I

us to some extent. Now that they're gone, we must keep a low