That night, Barrett did not leave Grace Mansion. For several nights in a row, he stayed at Viola’s place.
Aurora began decorating her courtyard, using her own money since the family’s public funds were unavailable to her.
She chose the sturdiest wood for the doors and windows. Ironwood was hard to come by, and she asked the lumber merchants to find it, promising to pay a high price if they succeeded.
She renamed the courtyard “Blessed Hav
Having left the army and without any battle armor, she secretly
commissioned a protective heart shield. She wore it day and night to guard against any potential assassins.
As for Barrett and Viola’s affection towards each other, she couldn’t care less. She held no respect for a man who had changed his heart.
She had once said she wouldn’t be caught up in domestic squabbles, and she would never become the kind of person she most despised.
Moreover, did Barrett truly have feelings for Viola? She didn’t believe it–not even a little.
Barrett’s gaze towards Viola was devoid of love. He wasn’t even good at hiding it, and it was easy for others to see. Only Viola seemed oblivious.
Maybe Viola wasn’t actually foolish, but she had no other choice at this point. Even if it was false affection, it was better than the cold indifference she had endured.
Aurora had no desire to interfere with their matters. She had everything she needed in the household–food and clothes for every season.
Since she didn’t have any other options for her future right now, she could
afford to wait.
She wanted to investigate who was targeting her. Deep down, she knew it
Chapter 576
was certainly not Carissa. However, blaming Carissa would also put a stop. to Barrett’s feelings for her.
Ultimately, Aurora was still troubled by it all.
Despite this, she had no intention of meddling in the apparent romance between Barrett and Viola. After all, Barrett still needed the support of the Prince family to protect the Warren familly.
In Westglade, Lawrence’s condition improved rapidly under the care and treatment of Sebastian and Kayla.
Most of his injuries had healed, but one of his knees was still a problem because the kneecap was shattered. Sebastian kept applying ointment and wrapping it up, but there hadn’t been any improvement yet.
But Sebastian insisted that he would be the one to decide if Lawrence’s leg was truly ruined, and that they would know for sure after they returned to the capital.
In mid–July, the group set out for the capital. Kiera’s wedding was on the eighth of August. Even though Luke and the Ministry of Protocol were handling the arrangements, Rafael and Carissa needed to return before Kiera’s wedding date. As her brother and sister–in–law, they had to be there for Kiera during the days leading up to the event.
During their time in Westglade, Violet had grown familiar with the Septimus. Tetra reconnaissance team members.
After all, they had all fought on the Southern Frontier battlefield before, and they quickly found common ground. Violet shared stories about the last two cities recaptured from the enemy, talking about the dangers of capturing llyrian City and the details of taking Simonton City.
Violet had a remarkable gift for storytelling, vividly recreating the battlefield scenes and making them feel as though they had participated in the grand conflict.
Violet also gained a brother in Thomas. Because of her previous interest in
Septimus, she mistakenly thought that Thomas was Septimus.
During their stay in Westglade, Thomas often appeared lost in thought. Violet comforted him, feeling a mix of admiration and sympathy. Thomas‘ genuine sense of responsibility as an elder brother led Violet to propose a swom brotherhood.
Sworn brotherhoods were more common in the martial world, and Thomas genuinely appreciated Violet’s straightforward and affable nature.
Thomas smiled and said, ‘There’s no need for a formal brotherhood. If you wish, have my mother accept you as a goddaughter. That way, we’ll be like siblings in a proper way.
“Great, let’s have a little ceremony!” Violet said happily.
On the return journey, they stopped at an inn. Carissa then mentioned, You’re making such a big decision about getting a godmother. Shouldn’t you inform your family? It would be better to let them know about this new connection in the capital.”
“No need,” Violet replied with a light laugh. “Besides my marriage, I can make my own decisions about everything else. Besides, I’m quite favored in my family. Just look at your marriage–l easily influenced them to do what they did.”
