Rafael stole a glance at Carissa, relieved to see she wasn't angry. Turning away, he felt the urge to slap himself for even worrying. It was clear that Trevor truly adored his granddaughter.Rosalind seemed to be Trevor's youngest grandchild. As the baby of the family, it made sense she would be the most cherished."Are you two in a hurry? Today, we—""Yes, we're in a hurry! That girl is practically in tears!" Trevor rubbed his knees anxiously, eager for them to seek out Thomas immediately. "She may be stubborn, but if the Farrell family gives her an answer she believes, she'll be able to let it go. She won't cling to it forever."Mildred nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Right now, all they've said is that they don't want to hold my granddaughter's life up. Rosalind thinks they're just making excuses. If they're not interested, they should just say so. She's the kind of person who needs honesty."Hearing this, Rafae's heart sank. It was clear he wouldn't be taking his wife to see th
At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret."Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett.Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?"Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you.""Calling her that doesn't change an
Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.”“Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered.Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money.This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running.And this was her reward.“Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin.As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter.“My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away.“Do
Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest."Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright."Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home."My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed.Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart."Anywhere is better than staying here.""If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want.""So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affect
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