Her Graceful War Song

Zoey tightened her grip on the armrests of her chair, a frown knitting her brow. Her expression grew complex, reflecting the weight of the revelation.

No one knew a husband better than his own wife.

Oliver had gone to the Southern Frontier with two concubines, and upon arrival, he had taken two more. Though they hadn’t been formally recognized yet, it was only a matter of time before he granted them status since he had taken them in.

Zoey was strict in managing the household and the concubines respected her, which was why there had never been any scandals in the Earl of Silverstone’s family. Zoey could almost guarantee that if Celeste managed to get close to Oliver, she wouldn’t even need to try to win him over. Just showing her beautiful courtesan face would be enough to capture his heart.

Violet watched Zoey, sensing that she understood just how difficult it would be for Oliver to resist

Celeste’s allure.

It was a sad situation. Zoey was a wonderful woman, but she hadn’t met a good man. Despite serving as a marshal at the Southern Frontier, Oliver didn’t deserve her.

Zoey tirelessly managed every aspect of life in the capital, tending to her mother–in–law, cleaning up after her sister–in–law, and warding off anyone who could harm the Earl of Silverstone’s family.

Yet, happiness eluded her.

Zoey quickly regained her composure and looked at Carissa gratefully. “Thank you for informing me, Your Grace. I will send a letter to warn him.”

Carissa replied, “Celeste has changed her appearance, and since Eleanor has never publicly acknowledged her identity, we cannot know what her intentions towards the Earl of Silverstone might be.”

Zoey understood Carissa’s meaning. Celeste was no longer merely a courtesan. With Eleanor’s downfall, she was free. If she sought a benefactor, Oliver could certainly provide that for her.

If it were just that, Zoey wouldn’t be overly concerned. However, Celeste was a concubine’s daughter from Eleanor’s household. The Supreme Court was aware of this, as was Carissa. If Oliver got involved with her, it could lead to complications that would be difficult to explain.

This could implicate the Earl of Silverstone’s family and affect Zoey’s children, and that was what truly worried her.

“Your Grace, if Celeste truly has an affair with my husband, what will the Supreme Court think…?”

-Zoey began her question, but quickly realized it was inappropriate. This was a case of treason, and she

was already immensely grateful for Carissa’s visit to share such sensitive information.

To ask for more would be greedy.

However, Carissa understood Zoey’s unspoken concern and replied, “As of now, we don’t know. It will depend on how the king perceives them. If he believes they are mere pawns and victims of circumstance, then even if the Earl of Silverstone takes her as a concubine, it won’t raise any issues. But if the king sees them as accomplices, then we would have a serious problem.”

Violet chimed in, “Actually, based on the evidence we have so far, the former seems more likely. They were coerced into this. Eleanor controlled their birth mothers and forced them to do things against their will. If they refused, they faced severe punishments… But we shouldn’t make any definitive claims, should we? After all, this is a treason case, and everything hinges on the king’s judgment.”

“I understand. Thank you for letting me know, Ms. Spencer.”

Zoey was moved. She would always remember this kindness.

Carissa stood up. “We shouldn’t overstay our welcome. Goodbye for now.” Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Zoey rose to see her off, her demeanor already returning to normal. Violet admired this about Zoey–she could always remain composed and handle her emotions with grace.

As they stepped out of the hall, they spotted Viola approaching, supported by Poppy.

When Viola saw them, her expression briefly faltered before anger flashed in her eyes as she confronted Zoey.

“What’s the meaning of this? Why did you call her here? Did you tell her about my situation with Barrett on purpose to embarrass me?” Viola snarled.

Zoey rubbed her temples in exasperation. Evelyn had been right. Viola seemed to have no brains.

Carissa shot Viola a curious glance.

Hadn’t Barrett just been promoted? What was there to be embarrassed about?