Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Barrett looked at Viola, his heart heavy as he recalled her two deceased maids.

"I'm sorry about Julia and Yvonne. It's my fault, I couldn't protect them."

Viola clenched her fists and demanded, "Tell me, what is my place in your heart? Don't change the subject."

Leaning against a nearby tree, Barrett took a deep breath to steady himself and tried to calm the anger that had flared up.

He spoke softly, "I'm not changing the subject. I just... deeply regret and mourn their deaths. As for your place in my heart, it is naturally that of a primary wife."

"Just that?" Viola pressed, tears welling up in her swollen eyes. "Do you feel no affection for me? Don't you have any feelings for me at all?"

Barrett was momentarily stunned by the question.

He looked at Viola and opened his mouth, intending to explain that their marriage had been arranged by Natalie with the king's blessing, and that it was simply a union of families. As long as they treated each other with respect, that was enough.

But seeing the tears welling up in Viola's eyes, he couldn't bring himself to say it. He had never expected her to ask about his feelings.

Seeing him unable to speak, Viola understood everything and smiled bitterly. "So, there's no affection, only the duties of a married couple."

your husband, it is my duty to respect

desperately to protect me was it only out of

you are my wife, so it's only natural for me to protect you," Barrett said, feeling guilty as he thought of how he had once

said, "Since I entered your family, I've managed the household, served your mother, put up with your sister, and even endured

didn't know how to respond to her question. He just stared at her blankly for a

tears, her composure completely

what you should do? All I ask is for a bit of sincerity. Are you really so clueless,

but couldn't utter a word. He couldn't bear to hurt Viola, yet he couldn't bring himself

more. Make sure

away, enduring the pain from his

given some

-

that moment, Carissa was in the royal

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

her official position, she was required to pay her respects as a subject whilst in a formal setting like

Salvador smiled at her. "Have a