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."

troubled. "As your husband, it

Yvonne. When they came for me, you fought desperately to protect me was it only out of duty?" Viola took a step back, the heartbreak clear in

it's only natural for me to protect you," Barrett said, feeling guilty

"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 tell me you

question. He just stared at her blankly for

through her tears, her composure completely gone.

hundred gold coins last? I've already been using my dowry to supplement the household, and now you ask me what you should do? All I ask is for a bit of sincerity. Are you really so clueless, or do you just not

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

to earn more. Make

stumbled away, enduring the

he should at least have given some response, even if only

-

was

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

a respectful salute with her fist over her heart. Given her official position, she was required to

Salvador smiled at her.