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."

was troubled. "As your husband, it

to protect me was it only out of duty?" Viola

to protect you," Barrett said, feeling guilty as he thought of

her tears and said, "Since I entered your family, I've managed the household, served your mother, put up with your sister, and even endured your vile and venomous other wife, and now you

to respond to her question. He just stared at her blankly for a long while

really asking me that?" Viola laughed through her tears, her composure completely gone. "Your salary,

using my dowry to supplement the household, and now you ask me what you should do? All I ask is for a bit

word. He couldn't bear to hurt Viola, yet he couldn't bring himself to say he had

he said, "From now on, don't use your own money to support the residence I work hard to earn more. Make sure Julia and Yvonne's families

enduring the pain

broke down in tears. She had spoken openly, and he should at least have given some response, even if only to spare her feelings. Yet it

-

moment, Carissa was

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

knelt on one knee, offering a respectful salute with her fist over her heart. Given her official position, she was required to pay her respects as a subject whilst in a formal

at her. "Have