Her Graceful War Song

Leona's body remained weak. She knew she had lost her baby. Even before the delivery, she had felt the loss when Sebastian arrived. She held back her tears in front of Carissa and refused to cry. But after they settled in the estate, Leona buried her head and wept Violet wanted to go in and comfort her, but Carissa stopped her and shook her head. "Any consolation now will feel hollow. She needs to endure this on her own."

quietly once her cousin stepped out of the room.

Some pains were so deep that comfort would do nothing but stir up more tears, memories, and heartache.

Claire came to report that Molly and Fiona had gone to Silverstone Estate. After hearing this, Violet informed Carissa, who was startled as she suddenly recalled Zoey's visit yesterday.

The day had felt so long that it almost seemed like the visit had happened ages ago.

"Keep an eye on them within permissible limits. Don't draw too much attention," Carissa instructed.

"Don't worry, Claire and the others know how to handle things discreetly. Winona trained them, after all," Violet reassured.Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Carissa nodded, then went to see Alana and Leah.

"Now, Leona's divorce is inevitable. I originally asked you to care for her until she gave birth and said it wouldn't take too long. Now that she has given birth and left Gracehold Estate, do you want to return to Meadow Ridge or stay with her a little longer?" Carissa asked. Her eyes filled with sorrow and self-reproach, Alana replied, "I've already sent a letter to our master and told her we won't be returning to Meadow Ridge for a while. We failed to protect the duchess. I shouldn't have gone in to get the cloak yesterday.

"I never expected Samuel to be so cunning. He never mentioned wanting the duchess' help to restore his official position. He only ever came to try and get into her good graces, and we thought he was trying to turn over a new leaf. That was my mistake and my fault. So, I'll stay with Lady Leona during this difficult time."

"Don't blame yourself, Alana. You can prepare for many situations, but you can't prevent everything. You and Leah have done your best. If it weren't for you, Leona would have faced far worse."

"There's no need to comfort us, Carissa. You also don't have to pay us. We feel unworthy of it. We'll only leave once the duchess has healed, regained her strength, and can smile again." "I can't-"

"Those in the martial world keep their promises," Alana said, then turned to head into the kitchen.

She couldn't leave the task of preparing Leona's medicine to anyone else. Ivy was already working hard enough, so Alana didn't want to add to her burdens when both she and Leah knew some pharmacology.

Violet, who was more interested in Molly's visit to Silverstone Estate, decided to check in with Carissa again.

"Should we ask Claire to gather some information? It could be risky, though."

Carissa shook her head. "No, we shouldn't take any unnecessary risks. We see the bigger picture. It's all about winning over the Earl of Silverstone's family. Besides, I'm sure dey will seek me out again. With the head of her family currently away, she'll have to look for

assistance, and I'm her best option."

Violet nodded. "That's true. Zoey is holding up the entire Earl of Silverstone's household right now. Caspian is as good as useless. He's honest and straightforward, but lacks vision."

"I recall Carmen mentioned that Celeste's next target is Caspian. Why hasn't there been any news on that front?" Carissa asked.

"From what Carmen said, Celeste

found Caspian to be unsatisfactory.

She didn't want to carry out the task,

so Grand Princess Eleanor taught her a lesson. Maybe she's injured from that? If she is, she'll need time to recover. Or perhaps she's planning to reappear under

Love

different guise? After all, she used to be a courtesan, so many people recognize her. Caspian might have even met her before as Ruby."

Carissa nodded thoughtfully. "That's possible. It must be tough for Zoey. Just when one issue is settled, another arises. I hope Caspian can hold his own."

"He treats his wife pretty well and

doesn't look down on her just because she's a merchant's daughter Violet remarked, pausing momentarily before continuing, "But then again, you can't always count on men. They can't resist beautiful women, especially someone like Celeste, who knows how to

manipulate them.

"It's hard for most men to hold out against that. If she tried to charm your husband, she might even know how to win him over and steal his heart. If that happened, you'd be the one in trouble."