Her Graceful War Song

How could Viola not wish to conceive an heir soon? Yet, she had her own silent struggles.

It seemed that Barrett was not very enthusiastic about intimacy, and even when he did engage, he appeared somewhat lacking in strength. It was puzzling. He was a capital guard and in good health. How could this be?

Viola ensured her husband's diet was nourishing, and even considered consulting a physician for him, but refrained for fear it might embarrass him. She felt an indescribable discontent. Though her life seemed smooth, there was an underlying frustration that she couldn't pinpoint.

Just then, her sister-in-law, Zoey, the current mistress of the Prince family's household, arrived to deliver medicinal food to Evelyn. She was surprised to hear that Viola also wanted to attend Helen's banquet. "If Viola wants to go, let her. After all, she is acquainted with Lady Carissa. Even though the Warren family has not received an invitation, it's fine for her to join us," Evelyn said. Zoey furrowed her brow. "Mother, Viola is still a member of the Warren family, and Lady Carissa was once married to Viola's current husband. It would be awkward if she went." "Zoey, don't worry. Lady Carissa and I won't be uncomfortable. We've spoken privately before, and she has always been very kind to me," Viola reassured.

"Have you spoken since you both got remarried?" Zoey asked.

Viola hesitated but managed to say, "Yes, a while ago, we met on the street. I dismounted to greet her, and she spoke to me courteously."

Zoey thought for a moment but shook her head. "Meeting privately is one thing, but with so many guests at the banquet, your presence might make Lady Carissa uncomfortable."

Viola smiled. "Zoey, please don't worry. Lady Carissa isn't petty. She has even invited me to her home before."

Zoey looked at her younger sister-in-law, feeling that her words might not fully capture the situation. Considering Viola and Carissa's relationship, they would typically avoid each other in public to steer clear of any unwanted gossip.

Evelyn's expression grew stern. "Enough. If she wants to go, let her. Now that Barrett has been demoted, Viola must think about his future."

Hearing her mother-in-law's decision, Zoey had no further objections.

"We'll do as you say, Mother."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

However, even after Zoey left the room, her brows remained furrowed.

Her maid, Mia, asked, "Madam Zoey, is it because you don't want Madam Viola to go?"

"Why would she want to go? Is she trying to make things difficult for everyone?" Zoey shook her head. "But Mother has always been indulgent towards her. Whatever she has asked for over the years, Mother has never opposed. If I stop her now, Mother might hold a grudge against me."

Zoey thought further, adding, "Besides, the Farrell family's men were once under the command of the Duke of Northwatch, and later, followed the Hell Monarch. I heard that General Timothy has returned to the capital, so the Farrell family will definitely be on the guest list. Didn't she consider that? How will she face the Farrell family when the time comes?"

"But didn't the Farrell family issue her a divorce letter? They must have hoped she would remarry, not spend her life mourning for her former husband. The Farrell family is kind-hearted. They probably wish to see her remarried," Mia replied.

"But she married Barrett, who betrayed the Hell Monarch's princess consort. The Farrell family were all followers of the Duke of Northwatch back then," Zoey protested.

Zoey hadn't forgotten that her

younger sister-in-law had once

compared her dowry with that of the

Hell Monarch's princess consort.

Viola had been quite pleased with herself, thinking her dowry would' surpass Carissa's, only to be dismayed when many valuable

items were added to Carissa's trousseau just before the wedding. Viola had even cursed in frustration over it.

Zoey didn't believe Viola could have a calm conversation with Carissa. Even if Carissa was kind, it was likely out of respect for the Prince family rather than genuine warmth.

"On the day of the birthday banquet, keep a close watch on her," Zoey instructed. "My husband has just taken up command. We can't afford any criticism because of her."

"I understand, Madam Zoey. You can rest assured," Mia replied.