Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?""Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine."Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you.""No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked.Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this batt
The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time.She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family!“She’ll come around. She doesn’t have any other choice,” Rebecca said coldly.That was true.With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn’t like she had been mistreated.-Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate.The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa’s heart ached fiercely.Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been massacred. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother—their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stain
Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed.Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him."Rise and speak," he commanded.Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace.""I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said.Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren."The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?"Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce.Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements."Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based
After Carissa left, Derek hurried into the study and announced, "Your Majesty, the queen dowager sent someone over. She requests your presence when you're available."Salvador sighed. "Mother is probably worried and anxious because of Carissa's situation. Alright, prepare the carriage."Peonies were in full bloom at Serenity Palace, the queen dowager's residence. They exuded an air of opulence and regal beauty, their fragrance surpassing all others. The roses climbing the palace walls had also blossomed, showcasing a stunning and exquisite charm.Wearing a crimson-purple robe and a white jade hairpin adorning her hair, the queen dowager sat on a chair in the main hall. Her face looked weary."Blessings upon you, Mother." Salvador bowed as he approached the woman.The queen dowager, Victoria Lancaster, looked at him and dismissed the attendants before sighing."The marriage edict you issued was extremely unwise. Your actions not only disrespected the Marquis of Northwatch but also
The next day, Barrett was summoned to the palace. He expected to be received with honor, considering his current status as a prominent figure in the court. He didn't expect to be left waiting outside the palace's study for a whole hour.Finally, Derek emerged and said, "General Warren, His Majesty is busy at the moment. He asks you to return home and says he will summon you again another day."Barrett looked puzzled.He had waited outside the study for so long but hadn't seen any ministers entering or leaving. This indicated that Salvador wasn't discussing state affairs with the court officials."Mr. Walker, why did His Majesty summon me in the first place?" asked Barrett.Derek smiled and replied, "I'm unsure of the reason, General Warren."Barrett felt perplexed but didn't dare to barge in and ask the king directly."Could you kindly give me a hint? Did I do something wrong?""You've just returned victorious, General Warren. You've earned only merits thanks to your contributi
Barrett breathed a sigh of relief, but his tone remained cold as he continued, "I obtained this edict through my military merits. If His Majesty were to revoke it, it would surely disappoint the soldiers."His Majesty summoned me today and then refused to see me. It's probably because you complained that you were being mistreated. I won't argue with you, but I've done my utmost for you."I hope you can behave yourself and stop causing trouble. After Aurora and I are married, I will ensure you have your own children. You'll have a decent life in your later years."Carissa lowered her gaze and calmly instructed, "Lulu, see the guest out."Lulu stepped forward. "General, please leave."Barrett left without another word.Before Carissa could say anything, Lulu started crying.Carissa went over to comfort her. "What's wrong now?""It's so unfair, my lady! Don't you feel that way?" Lulu said through her tears.Carissa smiled. "Of course I do. But crying won't solve the problem. It's
After seeing off Sebastian, Carissa returned to Grace Mansion. Half an hour later, Barrett brought Aurora to see her.Carissa was in the study, organizing the household accounts for the month. When she saw the couple enter, her gaze fixed on their intertwined fingers.Carissa took a deep breath, getting a good whiff of the soothing scent that filled the room thanks to the delicate candle that was burning in a corner.This was good. It was better to be upfront and straightforward in this matter."Please, have a seat," Carissa told the two of them, after sending Lulu out.Aurora had changed back into women's clothing and was now wearing a crimson pleated skirt embroidered with golden butterflies. As she sat down, the skirt draped elegantly, the butterflies seemingly frozen in motion.Aurora wasn't conventionally pretty, but she exuded a strong presence.Locking eyes with Carissa, she spoke first, "Carissa!"Having been immersed in military life and killed enemies, Aurora thought
Though Aurora felt a pang in her heart, she replied calmly, "I'm not a petty or jealous person. Besides, I can understand the need for it. When you have your own child, your future will be secured."As for whether he still shares your bed after you get pregnant, that's none of my concern."Her last sentence clearly showed signs of annoyance.Barrett quickly promised, "Don't worry, if she gets pregnant, I will never touch her again.""No need to reassure me, I'm not that petty." Aurora turned away, clearly displeased.Watching the two people in front of her, Carissa felt a sense of absurdity.Standing up, she looked at Aurora and said sternly, "Being a woman in this world is already hard enough. Why must you degrade us further? You're also a woman."Just because you've been on the battlefield and killed enemies, does that give you the right to treat other women like this? Do you only see me as someone who relies on having a family's heir to survive? Am I destined to do nothing bu