Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

After Janice left, Violet said, "That person seems quite unpleasant."

Carissa chuckled. "Don't say that. She's actually quite handy. After all, she comes from the palace. Nowadays, Lulu has much less to do."

Violet smiled and asked, "When do you plan on letting Lulu go? She's at the age to get married."

Carissa sighed. "I was thinking of finding someone for her once things settle down. It's hard to let her go, but she's the same age as I am. If I wait too long, she'll be an old maid." "What about Rod?" Violet raised an eyebrow.

"I'm afraid he'd starve Lulu."

Violet burst into laughter. "That's true! He has to support his guild. How much money would he have left for a wife? A man like that shouldn't get married-he'll only ruin a woman's life. Do you remember? He once said he wanted to marry you. Alana chased him down and beat him up for being such a little flirt."

Carissa laughed too, though her heart felt heavy. Meadow Ridge and the capital seemed like a dividing line, splitting her life in two. Even if she returned to Meadow Ridge now, she couldn't regain that state of mind.

Just as they were discussing Lulu and Alana, Lulu rushed in, breathless. "My la-I mean, Your Grace, Ms. Violet! Ms. Alana is here! She said Lady Leona is about to give birth!"

stood up. "About to give birth?

there are complications, and

Where's Alana?" Carissa asked

us and then left. I'm

We need

a deep breath. "She's giving birth? I'm not ready for this! I've

on." Carissa pulled her by the arm. "It's not like you're the one giving birth. Let's go check it

their way to fetch their horses. By the time Lulu called for the carriage driver to harness the horses, Carissa and Violet had already disappeared. Lulu stomped her

with her mistress, but now it seemed she wasn't included in

-

tied Samuel outside Leona's courtyard. He was battered and bruised, his face

gasped at the sight of her grandson in such

stood coldly before

to untie him. If the duchess is unharmed, he'll be fine.