Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carmen Kingsley?

Carissa recalled Ruby, who was also Eleanor's illegitimate daughter, and her real name was Celeste.

Carissa glanced quickly and noticed that the maid seemed to show little respect, instead giving off a practiced martial air. The guard and driver frequently glanced at Carmen, giving the impression that they were keeping a close watch on her. Looking at Carmen again, Carissa saw her looking nervous and clutching a handkerchief tightly. Sweat dripped from beneath her veil, and she used the handkerchief to wipe it away.

Suddenly, Carmen's body stiffened, and she seemed to be in pain. Carissa then noticed that the maid's hand appeared to be moving at her lower back.

But since it was concealed from her sight, it was difficult to see clearly.

Both Carissa and Violet wore veiled hats, which obscured their faces from view but allowed them to see outside. Although it seemed like they were looking at the carriage, they were actually observing Carmen and her maid.

From their reactions, it was clear that the maid was pressuring Carmen to speak up.

As expected, Carmen stepped forward slowly. She nodded to Rafael and said in a sweet voice that was tinged with shyness, "Greetings, gentlemen. My horse has died, and we are in a hurry to return to the capital. I was wondering if we might borrow your horses to tow our carriage. I'm willing to offer compensation."

Just as Rafael was about to respond, Carissa interjected, "What a coincidence! Violet and I would prefer not to ride, but to use a carriage. Our horses could be used to pull your carriage."

Carissa's words, everyone

take in strangers on their

He noticed something, and raised his hand to signal his

said, "Let's follow

glance, apparently surprised at how smoothly things were

it wasn't

that the young lady was addressing

Violet and Carissa got into the

thanks as she helped her young mistress into the carriage. When she attempted to board as well, Violet said coolly, "A maid doesn't ride in the same carriage as her

The maid hesitated.

alone, her maid was typically allowed to accompany her in the carriage. How could she attend to

maid protested, "My mistress is frail. I need to be inside to care for

room," Violet said matter-of-factly. "If you're needed, we'll call for

was spacious enough for four people, but