Melody of Strength novel

Carissa was silent for a moment before saying, “Lulu, show our guest out.”

Heather’s anger flared. “Carissa, I haven’t finished speaking yet, and you’re already so eager to drive me away? I am your aunt!”

In her rage, Heather threw a cup to the floor, her chest heaving with emotion.

Carissa glanced at the shattered cup on the floor. The liquid spread beneath her feet, dampening the tips of her shoes.

She raised her head to meet Heather’s gaze, her voice stern and cold as she said, “If you had vented your anger this way at Gracehold Estate, by smashing a cup in front of them and cursing Samuel for his heartlessness, I would have been glad for Leona and still respected you as my aunt.

“But didn’t you see how aggrieved Leona was that night? Yet, you were only making excuses. When she asked if you would accept her back into the house if she got a divorce, a simple nod from you would have been a great comfort, even if you only advised her to endure.

“Her words about divorce might have been spoken out of momentary distress, but your refusal only deepened her pain and despair. Did you ever consider that?”

Heather’s face turned crimson with frustration as she shouted, “She can’t get divorced! Have I wasted my breath telling you all this? If I had agreed to accept her back, what would have happened if she really returned with a child in her womb? Did you ever consider her situation? She respects you so much–how could you be so cruel to her?”

Heather was now standing and stamping her feet in anger, with tears streaming down her face. She dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief, only for more to fall.

“In the long run, what’s the big deal with putting up with some temporary distress? She’s a duchess and a legitimate wife. Why should she fear a courtesan from a brothel? Even if Ruby is Grand Princess Eleanor’s illegitimate daughter, she was raised in that filthy place.

“In time, Samuel will grow weary of her and return to Leona. If you explain that to her, she wouldn’t be so adamant about getting divorced. She has always listened to you. If you talk to her, she’ll take your advice.

Heather sat down again, looking pitiably disheveled as she turned her body to the side to wipe her tears and blow her nose.

Looking at her aunt’s tear–streaked face, which bore some resemblance to her own mother’s, Carissa felt a pang of sympathy.

Still, she couldn’t help raising her voice and asking, “What are you afraid of? What exactly are you so scared of?

“What are we afraid of?” Heather said through her tears, her voice muffled as she buried her face in her hands. “We’re terrified of being sent to our fief. You know where it is–it’s a harsh, desolate place. How are we supposed to endure that?”

Carissa shook her head, her tone cold as ice as she replied, “You’re afraid of facing hardship at your fief, so you choose to endure the humiliation of living in the capital, bowing to others and discarding even the dignity of a prince.

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“Then, you expect Leona to be as weak as you are? Has the king even mentioned sending you to your fie Your husband isn’t serving in court. He’s just a leisurely prince. No one cares whether he goes to his fief or not. Your constant worry is of no concern to the king.”

Heather’s voice grew cold as well. “The king’s will is hard to fathom. What do you know? I don’t want to discuss this further with you. The situations of our two families are different.

“When your parents were alive, their military achievements could protect us to some extent. Now that they’re gone, we must keep a low profile in the capital. We don’t even dare to employ household soldiers. So, please don’t compare our family’s situation to yours.”

Heather tucked the handkerchief back into her sleeve and stood up. “I won’t say more. I’m not asking for your sympathy. Leona respects you and cares for you. Since that’s the case, I only ask that you don’t ruin her.

“You should withdraw the two people you’ve assigned to her. Servants who lay hands on their masters ar not good servants. The Earl of Gracehold’s family doesn’t need them, and neither does Leona.”

“That’s not happening! Carissa moved to the door, making a dismissive gesture with a firm attitude.” They’re not servants. I won’t allow them to leave before Leona gives birth. Aunt Heather, you’re not welcome here. Please leave!”

Heather’s eyes widened in shock. “Carissa, are you really driving out your own aunt? After all the care I’ve shown you?”

Carissa did not lift her gaze. “Lulu, show our guest out.”

With that, Carissa swept out of the room.