Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The reactions of the Saunders family were telling. They stood frozen, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was clear that no one in the capital had warned them, and they hadn't heard anything about it.

Seizing the opportunity, I spoke again, my voice icy, "Who doesn't know that my husband, the third son of the Prince family, dotes on Courtney more than anyone? She's been wronged so severely, and he's beside himself with worry.

"I had to talk him out of rushing to the grand queen dowager to complain about this. But since I'm here, whoever it was that raised their hand against Courtney should step forward and accept the consequences."

Isaac, while holding many positions in the capital, was most known as my husband, an apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, the armory's overseer in the Ministry of Defense, and the owner of several enterprises in the capital. His connection to the Prince family was downplayed, but it still proved useful in situations like this.

Among his many fabricated and genuine identities, none would give doubt to his connection to Victoria. After all, it was well known that she held great respect for the guildmaster of the Pathfinders Guild.

I paused, allowing my words to sink in. Then, I calmly took a seat, matching Cari's composed demeanor.

It wasn't long before the Saunders family seemed to realize what was happening. The regent's princess consort herself had come with the Capital Guard to intervene on behalf of Courtney. I could only imagine that Maya never dreamed such a powerful ally was backing the young girl.

"Oh dear, it's all my fault for listening to slanderous whispers," Maya quickly apologized, rushing forward. "I will punish those who spread rumors, and I swear I will make things right with Ms. Prince. I'll personally go and apologize, and those who mistreated her will be dealt with."

I leaned back in my chair and replied slowly, "If you're truly intent on making amends, there's no need for the young lady to see the ugliness of it. It would be best not to let her eyes be tainted by such matters. If your family is too busy to handle it, Lady Carissa is here and can help you take care of things, including ealing with Gabriel."

of Averton, Franklin Saunders, quickly agreed, "Very well. Beat

involved in the misdeeds,

replied, "Since the young heir of the Saunders family has proven to lack virtue, inheriting the title is out of the question. Now that someone has filed a report

be dealt with properly. If a few slaps were enough to brush it off, wouldn't everyone be able to escape consequences

I glanced at Cari.

Wasn't she here to

this matter? Was she really going to back down now? And what of Courtney and Merrick's marriage? Those two were truly in love; it wouldn't do toget the Saunders family tear them apart just because they were too proud to accept

us? Our family, though not of

reputation? If our caution offends you, and you intend to use your influence to force us, we, a mere

Spencer about your family's issues. I am here to address the case of the kidnapped concubine. As for your quarrels with the Prince family, I am not involved. From start to finish, I have only spoken about the matter

Maya, "If you don't know how

being told off so harshly, Maya stepped

brutal efficiency. At his command, servants dragged forward the maids and lackeys who had stormed the Prince

said, raising her hand to stop the chaos. "Your feud with the Prince family is none of my concern. However, Mr. Gabriel comes with me now. You have one day, if the victim withdraws the complaint, he

to be

followed in vain, pleading for mercy, but it was all for naught. Cari had