Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa stopped and turned back to me. "Her family treats her well. It's just that things didn't go smoothly when they were arranging for her niece's marriage. Thankfully, that niece is now married to a good man.

"I think Viola worries that, being unmarried at her age-twice wed, no less-she might invite gossip. She doesn't want to burden her nephews and nieces or trouble her sister-in-law."

I nodded, thinking of Zoey-the fierce woman who was also kind-hearted. She had one son and one daughter, as well as more children from her late husband's concubines. She had likely faced many challenges while arranging marriages for all her children. I imagined the amount of gossip and judgment she must have endured.

I truly cared for Zoey like a sister-in-law, and I felt for all she had gone through. "Think it over," Carissa said.

I nodded, then glanced outside, where there wasn't a soul in sight.

I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid that Prince Rafael might grow jealous, you being here alone with me? Does he not know?"

Carissa looked rather taken aback, as though she had not expected such a question from me.

She appeared intent on avoiding answering, as she was already turning to walk away.

But after a moment's pause, she stopped and said, "If we can't trust one another even with something like that, how could I have held command of the Mystic Army for so long? I keep nothing from him, nor he from me. So, yes, he knows I have come to see you."

stepped out, and I followed. I couldn't help but wonder if the regent was somewhere nearby, quietly listening to our conversation. After all, no man would like his wife

I watched as she walked straight out,

front courtyard. There, I saw Prince Rafael seated next to General Sullivan, engaged in quiet conversation. When he looked up and saw Carissa, he smiled and waved her over

watched from a distance, feeling a strange mix of

really what a healthy marriage

wonder-whether in the city or at Victory Pass, shouldn't men and women take care not to be alone together? After all, if anyone spoke

felt almost foolish. What right did I

hear Viola's words

five days to think it over. After that, Prince Rafael

thinking of

I hesitated, unsure if my feelings were just a

it more thought. I realized that Viola might not want to be my wife again she probably just wanted

me... Viola

we both made mistakes. We should let bygones be bygones, and there was no

for me, along with a banknote. It was most of the savings I had accumulated over

later, Viola arrived at Victory Pass with a merchant caravan. She had sent word ahead, telling me