Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Barrett looked at Viola, his heart heavy as he recalled her two deceased maids.

"I'm sorry about Julia and Yvonne. It's my fault, I couldn't protect them."

Viola clenched her fists and demanded, "Tell me, what is my place in your heart? Don't change the subject."

Leaning against a nearby tree, Barrett took a deep breath to steady himself and tried to calm the anger that had flared up.

He spoke softly, "I'm not changing the subject. I just... deeply regret and mourn their deaths. As for your place in my heart, it is naturally that of a primary wife."

"Just that?" Viola pressed, tears welling up in her swollen eyes. "Do you feel no affection for me? Don't you have any feelings for me at all?"

Barrett was momentarily stunned by the question.

He looked at Viola and opened his mouth, intending to explain that their marriage had been arranged by Natalie with the king's blessing, and that it was simply a union of families. As long as they treated each other with respect, that was enough.

But seeing the tears welling up in Viola's eyes, he couldn't bring himself to say it. He had never expected her to ask about his feelings.

Seeing him unable to speak, Viola understood everything and smiled bitterly. "So, there's no affection, only the duties of a married couple."

Barrett's gaze was troubled. "As your husband, it is my duty to respect and protect you..."

"The assassins killed Julia and Yvonne. When they came for me, you fought desperately to protect me was it only out of duty?" Viola took a step back, the heartbreak clear in her eyes. "Just duty?"

"I... you are my wife, so it's only natural for me to protect you," Barrett said, feeling guilty as he thought of how he had once treated Carissa.

Utterly disappointed, Viola wiped away her tears and said, "Since I entered your family, I've managed the household, served your mother, put up with your sister, and even endured your vile and venomous other wife, and now you tell me you don't love me at all? Why did I sacrifice so much for you?"

Barrett didn't know how to respond to her question. He just stared at her blankly for a long while before asking, "What do you want me to do?"

"What do I want you to do? Are you really asking me that?" Viola laughed through her tears, her composure completely gone. "Your salary, combined with your father's and older brother's, can't even cover the expenses of your family.

"How long can your reward of a hundred gold coins last? I've already been using my dowry to supplement the household, and now you ask me what you should do? All I ask is for a bit of sincerity. Are you really so clueless, or do you just not care? Or is your heart entirely with Lady Carissa?"

Barrett opened his mouth but couldn't utter a word. He couldn't bear to hurt Viola, yet he couldn't bring himself to say he had feelings for her.

Finally, he said, "From now on, don't use your own money to support the residence I work hard to earn more. Make sure Julia and Yvonne's families are well taken care of. there isn't enough money in the household, I'll borrow from elsewhere."

With that, he stumbled away, enduring the pain from his injuries.

Viola broke down in tears. She had spoken openly, and he should at least have given some response, even if only to spare her feelings. Yet it seemed his heart was entirely with Carissa.

-

At that moment, Carissa was in the royal study.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Carissa knelt on one knee, offering a respectful salute with her fist over her heart. Given her official position, she was required to pay her respects as a subject whilst in a formal setting like the royal study.

"Rise!" Salvador smiled at her. "Have a seat."

"Your Majesty, I can't do that," Carissa replied, shaking her head.

"Please, sit. Besides Derek, there is no one else here." Salvador waved his hand at a servant. "Have some coffee brought in."

Carissa inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After the coffee was served, Carissa took a sip and set it aside, waiting for Salvador to speak.

He made some casual conversation and inquired about Helen's well-being before getting to the point.

"I heard that a few days ago, Valor Estate was attacked, and you went to their aid. Were you injured?" he asked.

Carissa understood she had been summoned because of that matter, so she answered respectfully, "I wasn't injured, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern." Salvador nodded. "That's good."

He took a few sips of his coffee, then set down the cup and continued to look at Carissa with sharp eyes.

"By the way, how did you learn about the attack on Valor Estate that night? It couldn't have been a coincidence that you were passing by with your Rose Spear, could it?" His gaze was sharp and intense as he studied Carissa's expression.