Her Graceful War Song

In the main hall, Melanie sat quietly in her chair. An old maid stood beside her, and on either side sat the younger ladies of the Sinclair family. The matchmaker and Barrett were seated at the far left.

Barrett's cheeks were flushed, and he gathered his courage to say, "Madam Sinclair, please rest assured. I swear on my life that I will take no other wives, nor will I ever fail Lady Sinclair."

Before Melanie could reply, hurried footsteps echoed nearby. Her eyes were now too weak to see clearly, so she could only make out a blurred figure. The person rushed forward and threw themselves into her arms, their voice choked with sobs.

"Mom!"

A sharp pain touched Melanie's heart. She ignored Barrett and the matchmaker, reaching out to stroke the girl's hair.

"Another bad dream?" she asked.

Carissa had been kept in the dark about her father's and brothers' deaths, only learning of it after returning from Meadow Ridge. The grief had caused her to faint several times, and even now, she had not yet recovered from the sorrow.

Carissa knelt on the floor, holding her mother tight. Even if it was just a dream, she wouldn't let go.

"My dear, please stop crying," Yvette said gently as she came forward. "We have guests."

Carissa lifted her head and looked at Yvette, her second sister-in-law, so full of life. Her other sisters-in-law were also present. They gazed at her with sorrow in their eyes, yet with such gentle warmth.

Tears fell freely as she whispered, "Everyone is here. It's so good... you're all here."

"Silly child." Melanie smiled, pulling her up by the hand. "You're here to discuss your marriage. How could your sisters-in-law not be present to advise you? Come now, don't be rude. Stand up."

Carissa rose but didn't let go of her mother's hand. Her eyes still carried sorrow as they moved over every face in the room.

Barrett saw her expression and stood awkwardly to bow. "I am Barrett Warren. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Sinclair."

Carissa turned to look at the young man and was momentarily taken aback.

In her memories, her mother and sisters-in-law remained unchanged as they had passed away young. But Barrett had died when he was in his fifties.

The last time Carissa had seen him was a year before his death. His health had been poor, and he needed support to walk. The harsh winds of Victory Pass had lined his face with wrinkles and whitened his hair, making him look far older than his years.

Carissa wasn't quite sure if she was truly living again or still trapped in a dream. But whatever the case, she wouldn't marry Barrett.

Her cheeks still wet with tears, she curtsied politely and said, "General Warren, please take your leave. I have no plans to marry yet."

Barrett looked shocked and lost, glancing helplessly at the matchmaker, whom Carissa didn't let speak.

"Lily, see the guests out," she instructed firmly.

"Madam Sinclair, we agreed on this marriage. What has changed?" the

matchmaker asked, looking at Melanie, who was just as surprised.

"Cari?" Melanie called out, confused.

Hadn't Carissa already agreed previously? She had only said that if Barrett came

to see her, the match could be settled.noveldrama

"See them out!" Carissa ordered.

She was, after all, the regent's princess consort who had held power for many years. What had just passed was a moment of weakness. Now that she had to take control of

the situation, she was more

decisive.

Lily already thought Barrett was not worthy of their lady. Hearing Carissa's order,

she immediately began to usher the guests to the door.

However, Barrett, who wasn't ready to give up, said, "Lady Sinclair, do you think my mother's absence means a lack of sincerity? She is bedridden, that is why..."

"General Warren, I will not marry you," Carissa said clearly. "Please leave."

Barrett tried to speak again, but the matchmaker heard the finality in her tone and

knew there was no hope. So, she nodded and pulled Barrett away.

Once outside, the matchmaker sighed. "Haven't you figured it out yet? She simply doesn't fancy you So many suitors come to Northwatch Estate every day, and you are hardly the one she needs. I

think you were only a plaything to

her."

Barrett looked back with disappointment, unwilling to accept it but helpless all the

same.

After a long pause, he muttered, "If I was only a plaything, why did she make me swear I'd never take another wife? She just made a fool of me."

He walked away dejectedly.