Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

I heard Franklin endured quite a few rejections from Isaac. In the end, Franklin had no choice but to release Merrick and send him to plead on their behalf-only then was Gabriel rescued.

With the matter settled, they were deeply grateful to Isaac, though they all knew it had been a calculated move. What else could they do? After all, their son had behaved badly and been caught in the act.

When Merrick learned of his mother's mistreatment of Courtney, he kept quiet for a time. However, once they were married, he made it clear that he wished to live separately. He didn't want to cause a rift in the family, but in Starhaven's official evaluations, being dutiful towards family mattered more than talent. A single accusation of being disloyal could end a person's career.

Merrick's reason for wanting to live separately was perfectly reasonable-he said he needed peace and quiet to prepare for his upcoming exams. His family was too large, so the distractions would make it difficult to focus.

He had always been a dutiful son, and Maya had stirred up so much trouble this time. She also saw that Merrick had the support of powerful people, so she didn't try to stop him. She agreed to their separation.

The matter was handled quietly, with no gossip or trouble. At first, the couple had planned to live in Courtney's dowry house, but Maya worried that her son might be taken advantage of. So, she used her own dowry money to buy them a small house to live in instead.

The young couple seemed to be utterly content, as happy as could be.

I was glad for them.

Merrick, a smart and hardworking young man, was bound for success. Even if he didn't become a top scholar, he would find his own way in the world.

However, it seemed that Courtney's marriage had a much greater effect on Viola, who became withdrawn and downcast for a while.

had heard plenty of gossip over the years. Cari once told me that when a woman made a mistake, it was hard to start over. Everyone always celebrated when a man changed

the house. She even worked at the workshop,

and Zoey taught them how to read and write. They didn't need a great education, but knowing how to read and do simple math was important. Many of these women might leave the workshop one

had become quieter and less sensitive. But, despite all her progress, there were times when I saw that she was troubled. She used to care so much about her

Now, she was different.

didn't care much about her clothes or how she looked. Most days, she didn't even bother to dress up, and rarely bothered with makeup. A few strands of white had started to show in her hair, which she didn't try

were there too. Viola wanted to share something she

us.

of nervousness in her eyes.

Zoey

"I'm wondering if Barrett would ever consider taking me back. i were to marry him again, I think it might settle things for

surprised and

Viola and Barrett was complicated,

had made the bigger mistake. But the bond between

gone. Could it really

practical one. After a long pause, she

do this. But if you truly want to be with him again, then that's a different

dropped a little as she