Her Graceful War Song

Heather covered Leona's mouth and warned, "Don't you dare say those words again! You're a duchess with an annual stipend and land of your own. You can support yourself without depending on the earl's family.

"As for your husband, I believe he'll come to his senses. That woman... that woman is Grand Princess Eleanor's illegitimate daughter. She's up to something by coming into this household."

Leona's heart sank further. She didn't care who Ruby was. No matter how scheming or filthy her methods were, none of this would've happened if Samuel had believed Leona. Leona had already given up on Samuel.

Seeing her daughter's silence, Heather assumed she would listen and continued, "Trust your mother. Once the child is born, your husband will change his mind. And when the old matriarch sees her great- grandchild, how could she not love the child? They'll be good to you. You just need to endure. Things will get better after this rough patch.

"The real problem is that old matriarch-she caused all this. Your father-in-law and mother-in-law were both against that wretched Ruby entering the household. When I saw her today, I understood why your husband was bewitched by her.

"Despite her ragged appearance, she has a certain frail charm. But no matter her identity, real or fake, the earl's family will never keep her. She's someone Grand Princess Eleanor sent to a brothel. Does the earl's family dare defy Grand Princess Eleanor by keeping her?"

Heather stroked Leona's gaunt face, her heart aching as she continued, "In the end, you're the one who chose him. Even if it was the wrong choice, you'll have to bear the consequences. You know why we've kept such a low profile all these years. Your father's fief is in that bitter, freezing land. If we attract trouble and upset the king, we'll be sent back there. How often will we get to see you then?"

Leona raised her head, forcing her tears back. "Even if I get a divorce, the king won't send you back to the fief. I'm only asking you this—if I get divorced, will you and Dad let me come back home?" Heather's tone turned sharp, "You foolish girl! After everything I've said, why are you still thinking about divorce? As for those two people your cousin arranged for you, you should send them away. I heard it was the one named Alana who struck your husband. She acted swiftly, but it only drove a wedge between you two. It seems to me that your cousin must have instigated this."

Leona couldn't hold back her tears. "Mom, they're here to protect me. If Alana and Leah hadn't been there today, do you think I would've only been pushed once? Cari is looking out for me."

"Looking out for you? You believe

that nonsense? Heather scoffed coldly. "Leona, remember what I'm telling you only your parents will never harm you. Everyone else has ulterior motives, even if they don't show it. If you're doing well, they'll be jealous. If you're struggling, they'll pretend to pity you. But none of it is genuine."

Leona smiled bitterly. "So, if I really get a divorce, you won't let me come home."

Heather's tone hardened as she

replied, "It's not that I won't let you come home. I won't allow you to get a divorce If you keep talking like this, I'll go to Hell Monarch Estate tomorrow and confront your cousin to see if she's the one putting these ideas in your head."

Leona panicked and quickly propped herself up. "Please don't go to her. It's not her idea. It's mine."

Knowing her daughter's weakness,Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Heather spoke angrily, "You've always been an obedient, well-behaved child. How could you come up with something so rebellious on your own? Let me tell you this: if you dare bring up divorce again, I'll blame your cousin, no matter what. She must have planted these reckless thoughts in your head."

Leona lay back down, her eyes devoid of life. She didn't know why, but she suddenly wanted to laugh. She actually did laugh a little, then quietly wiped away the tears that had slipped down her face. "I understand, Mom."

Hearing how compliant Leona sounded, Heather was satisfied.

"Good. Focus on taking care of yourself and the baby. I'll visit you whenever I can. As for your father, he will surely reprimand your husband. He won't dare treat you so brazenly again."

In Leona's eyes, there wasn't even the slightest flicker of emotion left. Not even tears. Her parents had been her last source of support, but her mother's words had crushed her hopes completely.