Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 729

Carmen felt a chill run through her as she listened to her mom.

"That can't be true! If she really wants to rely on a powerful family, wasn't Samuel a good match? He loved her dearly."

Melanie smiled bitterly. "Samuel was the Earl of Gracehold's heir and a top scholar. However, he married the Duchess of Everpeace, Prince Harvey's daughter. Since that was the case, Celeste had no hope of rising higher. Samuel may have said he loved her, but he never truly did anything for her. He doted on her, but he wouldn't dare elevate her to the status of a rightful wife."

Carmen blinked in confusion. "A rightful wife?"

As the carriage rolled forward, Melanie's gaze darkened. "Yes. She believes that unless she becomes a rightful wife, she'll have no chance of becoming the main wife after the current wife dies. If she can't become a rightful wife, she'll just be a concubine. Even if the main wife dies, she won't attain her desired status. She said she could accept being a concubine, but she doesn't want to spend her life in that role."

"It's understandable she wouldn't want to be a concubine. Who would choose such a fate unless they had no other options? And she's been used all this time for your sake. It's tragic for her," said Carmen, her heart twisting in turmoil.

Melanie leaned against Carmen, her breath coming in short gasps before a violent cough wracked her body, causing her to spit out blood.

Carmen anxiously patted her back. "Why are you coughing so violently, Mom? Didn't you say a physician checked your health?"

"Yes," Melanie replied, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth with her tattered sleeve, forcing a weak smile. "Don't worry. I'll get better. Remember my words—no matter what your sister asks you to do in the future, you must never agree to it. Remember—no matter what it is, don't agree."

Carmen frowned in confusion. "Grand Princess Eleanor has fallen. What could Celeste possibly ask me to do? We can leave the capital and live somewhere no one knows us."

Melanie grasped her daughter's wrist tightly, her breath coming in quick gasps. "Remember my words. You mustn't have too much contact with her, and you shouldn't see her again. Do you understand?"