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However, it seemed that Courtney's marriage had a much greater effect on Viola, who became withdrawn and downcast for a while.

a woman made a mistake, it was hard to start over. Everyone always celebrated when a man changed

about herself and started helping around the house. She even worked at the workshop, which had grown, taking in many women who had been abandoned by

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 appearance and status, and always had to have the finest clothes

Now, she was different.

rarely bothered with makeup. A few strands of

were there too. Viola wanted

us.

hint of nervousness in her eyes. "I've been

ahead," Zoey

she said, "I'm wondering if Barrett would ever consider

were all surprised and

and Barrett was complicated, to say the least.

the bigger mistake. But the

gone. Could it really be

a long pause, she said, "If it's

don't need to do this. But if you truly want to be

sad. Her voice dropped a little as she