Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Marjorie took the lead, settling into a chair before calmly instructing, “Lionel, close the door. The three of us need to talk.”

Lionel sensed something was amiss and cast a puzzled glance at his dad, who sat with his lips pressed together, caught somewhere between confusion and onense. With a heavy step, Lionel shut the door and returned to his seat.

Marjorie placed one hand on the armrest and rested the other in front of her. These past years had been comfortable for her. She had enjoyed a loving marriage and a life of abundance. This made her appear younger than her peers, and her round face and elegant demeanor marked her as someone of high status.

Yet, in recent days, a hint of weariness had crept in.

She looked at Malcolm and spoke as if recounting something trivial, “Today, I met Lady Carissa.”

Malcolm reacted as if he had been bitten by a venomous snake and stared at her in shock. “She sought you out? What kind of rumors did she spread? Whatever she says, don’t believe her–she’s pot trustworthy!

Marjorie regarded him, her dark eyes soft yet regal, “Though I’m not well–acquainted with her, I know she’s not that kind of person. Besides, it wasn’t her who approached me. I encountered her while I was at the apple farm. She was picking up a child.”

Malcolm’s lips trembled slightly, and his gaze darted away. “What what child?”

Marjorie’s eyes remained gentle, though they held a trace of sadness. “I already know the details, so there’s no need for you to explain. I went there today intending to bring the child back for Willow to care for, but Lady Carissa insisted that one of you needed to go pick her up.”

Marjorie sat quietly while the two men shifted restlessly–particularly Malcolm, who seemed lost in a tangled web of thoughts, too anxious to meet her gaze or speak.

“The reason for bringing her back is clear to both of you. It’s not because I’m being magnanimous. The child is innocent. You are her dad, I am her stepmother, and she still has her birth mother. Moreover, secrets rarely stay hidden in this world. The Supreme Court is responsible for handling the case, and with so many hands involved, countless people will learn about it. You can silence one person, but not

everyone.”

H

She folded her hands in front of her and continued, “Even if the details haven’t spread, there are still those who have seen the case files. They will hold evidence that could be used against us. Our family has become a target. You and Lionel hold significant positions, and our daughter is the queen. Mistakes can be forgiven, but we must not give anyone leverage against us. The more we try to hide things, the greater the risk of disaster that would leave us in a vulnerable position.

“The treason case hasn’t been resolved yet, which means more people will likely come under scrutiny. If you’re worried about this damaging your reputation, that fear will only grow, and the costs will escalate. It’s better to face the problem now and take responsibility for past mistakes. Bringing her back to the household and allowing Willow to care for her is fulfilling your duty as a father. Anyone who tries to use this against you or our family will find it impossible to succeed.”

With that, Marjorie stood up. “I’ve said my piece. Lionel, you’ll go retrieve her tomorrow.”

Lionel hadn’t expected his mom to possess such foresight, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Malcolm stared at her, as if he was seeing her for the first time.

Marjorie turned to leave. The heavy, calming scent in the study made her dizzy. She stepped outside to take a few breaths of fresh air and felt somewhat better.

“Marjorie!” Malcolm called from behind, his voice laced with shame. “I’m sorry.”

“After all these years as husband and wife, I thought I knew you best, but it seems I hardly know you at all. Marjorie didn’t turn around. Her eyes felt prickly. “Protecting our family is your duty as the head, as it is mine as the matriarch.”

“I’m sorry!” He reached out, trying to grasp her arm.

She deftly evaded him, forcing back her tears. Her voice, carried by the wind, sounded both fragile and resolute. “I’m getting older. I’ll arrange a couple more concubines for you.”

“No, I don’t want that!” Malcolm’s legs felt weak beneath him. “I was foolish for a moment. Please believe me!”

Marjorie turned to look at him, her tone gentle as she said, “Of course, I trust you. You value your reputation above all else. If it weren’t for your feelings, you wouldn’t even consider keeping a mistress. you want Casey back, I would agree to that.”

It turned out that after losing faith in someone, it was indeed possible to become indifferent.