Her Graceful War Song

Salvador's desire to settle the score on Carissa's behalf by arranging for Barrett to marry a woman who had been divorced after just a year seemed rather pointed.

Ironically, Carissa had also been married to Barrett for only a year before their separation.

It was possible Viola might not agree to this match. But since it was the king's edict, it left her with little choice.

The visit from Evelyn and Viola might have been an attempt to gauge what kind of person Barrett was. Salvador's actions made Carissa feel that she might be dragging

Viola into this situation.

This wasn't settling a score for Carissa, but creating an enemy for her.

It seemed necessary for Carissa to meet Viola, at least to clear the air and prevent any hostility towards the Duke of Northwatch's family. It didn't matter much for Carissa's own sake, but she wanted to avoid creating lingering resentment toward the Duke of Northwatch's household, as Ryan would eventually take charge of it.

Rafael noticed the concern etched on her brow, and said, "The visit from the matriarch of the Earl of Silverstone's family is probably to inquire about your divorce from Barrett. This matter might have caused quite a stir outside, but they're reasonable people. They know that rumors might not always be true. As you were personally involved, they'll need to hear from you to get a clear understanding."

Rafael was well-informed about the affairs of Carissa's household. Each time he

visited, he would first check in with Frederick, who would keep him updated.

Rafael was treated as if he were the lord of the household.NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

Frederick knew that Carissa was wise, but there were only a few capable people in Northwatch Estate. There was no need to hire much more staff, and those who were recently hired couldn't be fully trusted yet. Thus, many matters required Rafael's intervention and guidance.

This was also one of the reasons Rafael frequently visited.

After speaking with Carissa for a while, he prepared to leave. He had a stack of documents awaiting his attention. As a new official at the Supreme Court, the cumbersome paperwork made his eyes ache daily.

Moreover, he needed to familiarize himself thoroughly with commercial laws. As the Minister of Justice, he had to master the era's laws-failing to do so would. undermine his position.

As usual, Carissa saw him off at the door. They had a certain understanding, but now, Carissa's thoughts were more complex. Each time she bid him farewell, she instinctively kept her distance. Carissa knew she had to manage her own feelings. She was set to spend her life. with Rafael, but she needed to ensure that her heart stayed under control and didn't truly fall for him.

Though Rafael had promised not to take concubines, such promises weren't always under his control. Even Samuel, who was a man of high status, had received concubines from his superiors. It wasn't unimaginable for Salvador and Helen to arrange a few more for Rafael to secure his lineage.

As a member of the royal family, ensuring the continuation of the bloodline was crucial. Royal relatives would also keep an eye on Rafael's offspring. If there were fewer than expected, trouble might be directed at her, the consort.

She had never seen a royal member who had only one official wife. Even those who managed to keep it to a single twere rare. Many had more than ten.

While she could harbor feelings of gratitude, she could not afford to let her heart become too involved.

The heart, however, was difficult to control. The mind might say not to fall for him, but the heart didn't always listen.

The next day, Carissa sent an invitation to Silverstone Estate requesting that Evelyn and Viola visit Northwatch Estate.

The invitation was written for the following day, but Evelyn and Viola arrived in less than two hours after receiving the invitation.

Carissa had dressed casually that day, but upon hearing of their arrival, she quickly had Lulu help her change. Dressed in a moonlight-white gown and draped in a lake- blue cloak, she wore a cloud-patterned hairpin in her updo. On her wrist was a bracelet that Margaret had previously returned to her, adding a touch of understated elegance to her simple attire.

Upon entering the main hall, she saw that Lily had already seated the guests and was serving refreshments. Two maids stood by Evelyn and Viola's side.

When Carissa arrived, both the mother and Greetings, Lady Sinclair."

Carissa returned the greeting with a smile.

"Good day, Madam Prince, Ms. Prince. Pleas

When Carissa arrived, both the mother and daughter stood up and greeted her," Greetings, Lady Sinclair."

Carissa returned the greeting with a smile.

"Good day, Madam Prince, Ms. Prince. Please, make' yourselves comfortable."