Her Graceful War Song

My husband brought a woman home and would marry her.

My mother-in-law asked me to use my dowry to pay for their wedding.

“No Way!” I refused firmly.

But they said, "Your whole family is dead, no one will help you!"

“Carissa, as a member of our family, it’s your duty to provide the money for your husband’s wedding. You don’t mind, do you?” My mother-in-law looked at me and smiled.

I shook my head slowly and said, "It wouldn't be appropriate for me to pay for this. The household should cover the expenses for the marriage."

Her expression immediately darkened. "Carissa, you're being unreasonable. We're all family. Besides, you are the lone survivor in your family. If anything happens, no one can back you up except us."

Tears finally welled up in my eyes at the mention of my family.

At the age of fourteen, my father and brothers died on the battlefield.

My mother, who had gone blind from crying too much, held me close and said, "You must live like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. You’re the only child I have left.”

Then she chose Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another wife if he married me.

But six months ago, tragedy struck.

All the residents of Northwatch Estate were massacred.

No one was spared, not even the children or servants.

Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered.

When I received the news, I rushed home, only to find my grandmother’s and mother’s gruesomely dismembered bodies.

Blood stained every corner of the residence, and the dead were left in agonizing states.

I never thought this tragedy would become the reason for my husband’s family to threaten me! They should have been my biggest support!

Early the next morning, I and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate.

The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds.

Stepping back into the estate, my heart ached fiercely.

I knelt in the study with my head bowed.

"Rise and speak," he commanded.

I bowed deeply with my hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace."

"I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," the king said.

I shook my head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren."

The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?"

Holding back tears, I pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements.

"Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based on my late family's military merits. Please, Your Majesty, I'm begging you."

"Carissa, do you know what you'll face after the divorce?" the king asked, a complicated expression on his face.

"I do," I affirmed.

"I'm sure you know the saying that a true gentleman appreciates and helps others to fulfill their aspirations, right? Even though I'm not a gentleman, I don't want to hinder General Warren and General Yates from being together," I added.

"Carissa, there's no one left at Northwatch Estate. Are you really going to go back there? Have you thought about your future?" the king asked.

"I returned to the estate today to visit my family's memorial plaques. Seeing how the estate has fallen into disrepair made me want to live there again. I'll adopt a son for my father's sake, so there will still be someone to honor his memory," I explained.

"You're Barrett's legal wife. Aurora can't undermine your position. You really don't need a divorce."

I looked up with tear-filled eyes that were firm with resolve. "Your Majesty, that's meaningless. I don't want to waste my life like this. I'm the only one left from the Marquis of Northwatch's' family. My father and brothers lived honorably and bravely throughout their lives. I don't want to settle for a life of mediocrity."

"I know you have feelings for Barrett. Are you willing to let go?" the king asked.

Feelings? Not really.

I simply admired military men, and my mother had wanted me to marry and lead a stable life. That was why I had agreed to the marriage.

I smiled. At this moment, I might look like a strong woman who would be able to flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

"If he can let go of me, then I can let go of him," I declared.

This stunned the king. He stared at me for a long moment.

To the world, divorce still meant abandonment. This was especially true in my situation, as Barrett had publicly sought the marriage edict.

Being a woman was already difficult, and I would have it even harder.

"Alright, I agree. You may leave now. In a few days, the edict of divorce will be sent to the general's residence," the king said.

I breathed a sigh of relief and bowed my head. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

"Carissa, if anyone mistreats you in the future, come to the palace and see me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" I bowed once again.