Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1636

In the main hall, Melanie sat quietly in her chair. An old maid stood beside her, and on either side sat the younger ladies of the Sinclair family. The matchmaker and Barrett were seated at the far left.

Barrett's cheeks were flushed, and he gathered his courage to say, "Madam Sinclair, please rest assured. I swear on my life that I will take no other wives, nor will I ever fail Lady Sinclair."

Before Melanie could reply, hurried footsteps echoed nearby. Her eyes were now too weak to see clearly, so she could only make out a blurred figure. The person rushed forward and threw themselves into her arms, their voice choked with sobs.

"Mom!"

A sharp pain touched Melanie's heart. She ignored Barrett and the matchmaker, reaching out to stroke the girl's hair.

"Another bad dream?" she asked.

Carissa had been kept in the dark about her father's and brothers' deaths, only learning of it after returning from Meadow Ridge. The grief had caused her to faint several times, and even now, she had not yet recovered from the sorrow.

Carissa knelt on the floor, holding her mother tight. Even if it was just a dream, she wouldn't let go.

"My dear, please stop crying," Yvette said gently as she came forward. "We have guests."

Carissa lifted her head and looked at Yvette, her second sister-in-law, so full of life. Her other sisters-in-law were also present. They gazed at her with sorrow in their eyes, yet with such gentle warmth.

Tears fell freely as she whispered, "Everyone is here. It's so good... you're all here."

"Silly child." Melanie smiled, pulling her up by the hand. "You're here to discuss your marriage. How could your sisters-in-law not be present to advise you? Come now, don't be rude. Stand up."

rose but didn't let go of her mother's hand. Her eyes still carried sorrow as they moved over every face

and stood awkwardly to bow. "I am Barrett Warren. It is an

to look at the young man

unchanged as they had passed away young. But Barrett had died when he

time Carissa had seen him was a year before his death. His health had been poor, and he needed support to walk. The harsh winds of Victory Pass had lined his face with wrinkles and whitened his hair, making him look far older than his

wasn't quite sure if she was truly living again or still trapped in

still wet with tears, she curtsied politely and said, "General Warren, please take your

looked shocked and lost, glancing helplessly at the

guests out,"

we agreed on this marriage.

Melanie, who was just

Melanie called

agreed previously? She had only said that if

see her, the match

them out!" Carissa

held power for many years. What had just passed was

situation, she

decisive.

was not worthy of their lady.

to usher the guests to

do you think my mother's absence means