Chapter 8

The next day, Barrett was summoned to the palace. Expecting to be received with honor, given his prominent position at court, he was instead left waiting outside the king's study for an hour.

Finally, Derek emerged and said, "General Warren, His Majesty is busy. He asks you to return home and says he will summon you again another day."

Barrett looked puzzled. He had waited so long without seeing any ministers enter or leave, indicating that Salvador wasn't discussing state affairs.

"Mr. Walker, why did His Majesty summon me in the first place?" Barrett asked.

Derek smiled and replied, "I'm unsure of the reason, General Warren."

Barrett, perplexed but hesitant to intrude on the king, asked, "Could you give me a hint? Did I do something wrong?"

"You've just returned victorious, General Warren. You've earned only merits thanks to your contributions," Derek said, his smile unwavering.

"Then, His Majesty…"

Derek interrupted politely, "Please return home, General Warren."

Barrett wanted to inquire further, but Derek had already turned and ascended the steps. The general left with a sense of unease. At the victory celebration, Salvador had praised him and Aurora greatly. Why, then, was Barrett being treated so coldly?

As he exited the palace gates, leading his horse, he overheard palace guards whispering.

"Yesterday, the general's wife came to the palace. Now, the general himself is here. Could something have gone wrong with the marriage edict?"

"Stop your nonsense. His Majesty announced his approval in front of officials and the people. How could there be a problem now?"

Barrett's expression darkened as he turned around sharply. "What did you say? My wife came to the palace yesterday?"

The two guards hesitated before nodding. "Yes, my lord. She waited for an hour before His Majesty summoned her."

+25 BONUS

Chapter 8

Barrett had spent the entire previous day at Aurora's residence and had no idea where Carissa was. He couldn't believe she had gone to the palace!

It was no wonder Salvador's attitude was so different. Carissa had sought out the king and asked him to retract the marriage edict! What a cunning move!

It was a waste that Aurora had even defended her. She'd said it was normal for Carissa to be unwilling to accept the edict, claiming women were inherently narrow-minded and shouldn't be blamed.

Barrett rode straight home, tossing the reins to the gatekeeper as he dismounted and headed directly for Grace Mansion.

"Carissa!"

As soon as Lulu heard the roar, she hurried over and stood in front of Carissa. Panicked, she looked at Barrett and asked, "W-what are you going to do?"

"Lulu," Carissa said calmly, "step aside."

Lulu obeyed, moving to stand beside Carissa, but remaining vigilant.

Barrett looked at his wife, who sat quietly. Thinking of her pleading with Salvador to retract the edict, any guilt he felt vanished. His icy gaze met her dark, calm eyes.

"You went to His Majesty and asked him to retract the marriage edict, didn't you?"

Carissa shook her head. "No."

"No?" His tone dripped with mockery. His handsome face twisted in disdain. "You have the audacity to attempt such a thing, yet lack the courage to acknowledge it. This isn't how daughters of noble families behave, Carissa. You're such a hypocrite!"

Carissa looked at the angry man, feeling like he was a stranger. His unfamiliar manner sent chills to her heart. She even doubted if this was the man she knew, or if she had ever truly known him.

At her silence, Barrett assumed her guilt and grew even more furious.

"Speak up! What did you tell His Majesty? Did he agree to retract the edict?"

Carissa lowered her gaze and replied, "His Majesty didn't agree. Your marriage will proceed as planned."