Chapter 49

The gates of the Northwatch Estate closed, leaving Amelia outside. Lily refused to comment on anything about the Warrens.

Seeing Frederick looking troubled, she asked, “Mr. Carter, what’s the matter?”

Frederick handed the reins to the stableman and stretched his left leg, which had started to ache from all the riding.

“Lady Heather refused the gift our lady sent to the princess,” he said quietly, not wanting others to overhear.

Lily was shocked. “Princess Leona and our lady’s mother were sisters and very close. Why would she... I understand.”

Even though the king had granted the title of Duke, Carissa's return to her family after the divorce, along with all the nasty rumors, had severed their kinship.

With Carissa's mother gone, her familial ties weakened.

In the eyes of the noble families, they believed Carissa was merely living under the protection of her father and brothers and had received special treatment from the king.

Consequently, no one respected her.

“I left the