Her Graceful War Song

"The Prince family is not to be trifled with. Regardless of what kind of person Barrett is, as long as the Earl of Silverstone's family stands, Viola will not be wronged," Carissa said.

She paused, and continued, "Don't worry about others just focus on yourself. After all, you are no longer family. She will not be buried with Thomas in the future, and since the divorce letter was given to her, who she marries is her own business. Whether her future is good or bad will be something she has to face on her own."

Alice sighed slowly. "You are right, Your Grace. I have indeed meddled too much."

Alice wasn't actually very familiar with Carissa. They had only met a few times when Carissa was younger. Later, when Carissa returned from Meadow Ridge, their families had interacted occasionally, but it was mostly through Melanie. Carissa had only come to offer a polite greeting once in a while.

But with her son gone, Alice felt adrift. Seeing Carissa, she was reminded of how her son had served under Hector and Dominic, and it gave her a sense of connection.

At that moment, a maid approached. "Madam Alice, our mistress requests your presence."

The maid was Mia, a servant of the Prince family-or, more specifically, Zoey's maid.

Opal recognized her, and asked, "Does your mistress have something to discuss?"

"She said she just wants to catch up with Madam Alice," Mia replied.

Opal looked at Alice. "Aunt Alice, do you wish to go?"

Knowing Zoey's nature to be kind and sincere, Alice agreed, "Let's go and have a chat."

She released Carissa's hand, and said softly, "Your Grace, I have taken your words to heart. Don't worry about me."

Carissa saw her out, and the loud drumming of the play made their conversation inaudible to everyone except those nearby. Carissa had ensured that Opal and Mary were seated on either side of her to prevent their conversations from being overheard.

After Alice and Opal left, Mary turned to Carissa with a smile and said, "Your Grace, your compassion will surely bring you future blessings."

Carissa gave a modest smile in return. "I only seek peace of mind. It pales in comparison to your great benevolence."

Mary shook her head. "With your

-

current abilities, no one can deceive

you, and you need not concern yourself with others. Even if you were to deal harshly with those who have wronged you, it would only bring you satisfaction and not criticism. And even if there were criticism, I believe you would not need to worry about it. Yet, you have chosen not to act in such a manner."

"Madam Clayton, I'm just an ordinary person. Life is like a play, but life itself is not a play. There's no need for constant strife. If someone wrongs me, I certainly won't tolerate it, Carissa said.

Ordinary people didn't deal with constant battles. Her focus was always on real enemies, those who harmed the kingdom. That was the fate of a military family.

If Carissa wasn't being mistreated, she would prefer a peaceful life. Only those who have fought in wars truly appreciated peace.

Alice was guided to a secluded part of the garden, away from the other ladies who were enjoying the flowers.

Inviting Alice was Zoey's own idea. Neither Evelyn nor Opal knew of this plan, and Viola was also unaware.

The Earl of Silverstone's family and

the Farrell family had not been in touch for a long time. However, Zoey knew of the Farrell family's

reputation for kindness. Seeing Alice looking distressed in front of Viola, she felt great sympathy.

So, she invited Alice to talk, hoping to ease her worries about the former daughter-in-law who had been released from her obligation.

Hearing Zoey's words, Alice sighed deeply. "I understand there's no need to worry, but receiving this news so suddenly is rather shocking. If it were someone else, it would be one thing, but it's..."

"Mrs. Murray arranged the match, and the king supported it. Most importantly, Viola agreed to it herself," Zoey explained.

Alice asked, "Was she coerced into agreeing, or did she truly consent?"

Zoey was straightforward. "Mrs. Murray proposed it, and Viola agreed immediately. If she had not, we would have fought for her. But as for her feelings towards Mr. Warren..."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

Zoey had intended to explain all at once, but seeing the anxiety on Alice's face, she took a breath before continuing.

"She genuinely admires Mr. Warren. She believes the rumors about him are not true and thinks that his previous divorce was Lady Carissa's fault, not Mr. Warren's."

Alice's face showed signs of disappointment. "How could she think that?"