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?"

her face. She

temporary distress? She's a duchess and a legitimate wife. Why should she fear a courtesan from a brothel? Even if Ruby is Grand Princess Eleanor's illegitimate daughter,

her, she wouldn't be so adamant about getting divorced. She

as she turned her body to the side to wipe

a pang of sympathy. Still, she couldn't help raising her voice and asking, "What are

we afraid

her

her hands. "We're terrified of being sent to our fief.

afraid of facing hardship at your fief, so you choose to endure the humiliation

Leona to

as you are? Has the king even mentioned sending you to your fief? Your husband isn't serving in court. He's just a leisurely prince. No one cares

grew cold as well, "The king's will is hard to fathom. What do you know? I don't want to discuss this further with you. The situations of our two

gone, we must keep a low profile in