Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

On the day of Kiera's grand wedding, the Quinton family's residence was abuzz with activity.

The dowry had been delivered to Ivory Estate the day before, but the wedding ceremony and banquet were to take place at the Quinton family's residence. The threshold of their estate was nearly worn down from the countless guests who streamed in to celebrate. Before Eleanor arrived at the Quinton family's residence for the feast, she allowed Carmen a brief visit to Harmony Palace.

Melanie Lester remained imprisoned in Harmony Palace's dungeon, a place reeking of decay. Each day, the door would open for just an hour to air out the stench, a supposed act of kindness from Eleanor, who claimed it was out of compassion. But it wasn't just Melanie who was imprisoned there. Several other concubines and servants who had erred shared her fate. Once someone entered the dungeon, there was little hope of escape. The foul odor was tinged with the scent of blood. As Carmen stepped into the dungeon, an overwhelming wave of revulsion hit her, causing her to feel nauseous. But she pushed past the discomfort and hurried straight to her mom's cell.

The cells weren't separated by iron bars but built with solid walls, ensuring no one could see one another. Each room had a door with a small window at the bottom, through which food was passed. Those confined within had no one to talk to.

Every cell contained a bed and a toilet, with the promise of a bath just once a month. The meaning behind Eleanor's actions was that Henry would visit them during that time, so they had to stay clean when he did. If they went an entire month without any screams or noise, they would earn a half-day to go outside and stretch their legs.

Carmen had been here once before. It was just before her mission, when Eleanor had taken pity on her and allowed her a glimpse of the suffering her mom endured.

Greta called for the door to be opened, and Carmen rushed inside.

On the bed lay a thin and pitiful woman. She coughed weakly as she turned to the door. Upon recognizing her daughter, she struggled to sit up.

wrapping her arms around the woman, tears spilling over in an instant. "Didn't

to channel an immense strength as she

thought I would never see you again. How are you? Are you alright? And your

tears, her voice catching in her throat as she replied, "I'm doing well, Mom. The grand princess treats me very

as she said,

Melanie whispered in a trembling voice after a few sobs, "Don't worry about me. Escape while you can. Go as far away as possible." Her heart aching, Carmen replied firmly, "Don't worry, Mom. I'll complete the task given to me by the grand

an unusual resolve. Leaning closer to her mother, she

trust me." Carmen

her tear-filled eyes watching Carmen with

took a deep breath and mouthed silently, "And the other

I'll definitely follow the grand princess' instructions. If I do

and hollowed, and they now reflected a fresh wave of terror, making her appear even more pitiful. Carmen nodded confidently. "Mom, remember what I said. I can do

The determination in her