Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 8

The next day, Barrett was summoned to the palace. He expected to be received with honor, considering his current status as a prominent figure in the court. He didn’t expect to be left waiting outside the palace’s study for a whole hour.

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

Barrett looked puzzled.

He had waited outside the study for so long but hadn’t seen any ministers entering or leaving. This indicated that Salvador wasn’t discussing state affairs with the court officials.

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

Derek smiled and replied, “I’m unsure of the reason, General Warren.”

Barrett felt perplexed but didn’t dare to barge in and ask the king directly.

“Could you kindly give me a hint? Did I do something wrong?”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“You’ve just returned victorious, General Warren. You’ve earned only merits thanks to your contributions,” said Derek, the smile never leaving his face.

“Then, His Majesty…”

Derek interrupted and politely said, “Please return home, General Warren.”

Barrett wanted to inquire further, but Derek had already turned and ascended the steps. The general could only leave with a sense of unease,

At the victory celebration, Salvador had praised him and Aurora greatly. Why then, just a day later, was Barrett being treated so coldly?

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

“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 hurriedly. “What did you say? My wife came to the palace yesterday?”

The two guards hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“Yes, my lord. She waited here for an hour before His Majesty summoned her.”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 8

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

It was no wonder Salvador’s attitude today was so different from before. 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 yesterday. She said it was normal for Carissa to be unwilling to accept the marriage edict. After all, women were inherently narrow- minded. She had said Carissa shouldn’t be blamed.

Barrett rode straight back 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. However, she still remained vigilant.

Barrett looked at his wife, who was sitting quietly in a chair. Thinking of her pleading with Salvador to retract the edict, any sense of guilt he had towards her 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 in front of her, feeling like he was a stranger. He was acting in such an unfamiliar manner that it sent chills to the depths of 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 she was guilty 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.” 1