Her Graceful War Song

The reactions of the Saunders family were telling. They stood frozen, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was clear that no one in the capital had warned them, and they hadn't heard anything about it.

Seizing the opportunity, I spoke again, my voice icy, "Who doesn't know that my husband, the third son of the Prince family, dotes on Courtney more than anyone? She's been wronged so severely, and he's beside himself with worry.

"I had to talk him out of rushing to the grand queen dowager to complain about this. But since I'm here, whoever it was that raised their hand against Courtney should step forward and accept the consequences."

Isaac, while holding many positions in the capital, was most known as my husband, an apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, the armory's overseer in the Ministry of Defense, and the owner of several enterprises in the capital. His connection to the Prince family was downplayed, but it still proved useful in situations like this.

Among his many fabricated and genuine identities, none would give doubt to his connection to Victoria. After all, it was well known that she held great respect for the guildmaster of the Pathfinders Guild.

I paused, allowing my words to sink in. Then, I calmly took a seat, matching Cari's composed demeanor.

It wasn't long before the Saunders family seemed to realize what was happening. The regent's princess consort herself had come with the Capital Guard to intervene on behalf of Courtney. I could only imagine that Maya never dreamed such a powerful ally was backing the young girl.

"Oh dear, it's all my fault for listening to slanderous whispers," Maya quickly apologized, rushing forward. "I will punish those who spread rumors, and I swear I will make things right with Ms. Prince. I'll personally go and apologize, and those who mistreated her will be dealt with."noveldrama

I leaned back in my chair and replied slowly, "If you're truly intent on making amends, there's no need for the young lady to see the ugliness of it. It would be best not to let her eyes be tainted by such matters. If your family is too busy to handle it, Lady Carissa is here and can help you take care of things, including ealing with Gabriel."

The Earl of Averton, Franklin Saunders, quickly agreed, "Very well. Beat them all, then once they're punished, this matter ends here."

Maya hurried to summon the servants and women who had been involved in the misdeeds, offering them up for Cari and me to handle.

Cari calmly replied, "Since the young heir of the Saunders family has proven to lack virtue, inheriting the title is out of the question. Now that someone has filed a report with the Capital Guard, I can't turn a blind eye.

"Wrongdoing must be dealt with properly. If a few slaps were enough to brush it off, wouldn't everyone be able to escape consequences just because they are strong enough to withstand a few blows?"

I glanced at Cari.

Wasn't she here to

take action and settle this matter? Was she really going to back down now? And what of Courtney and Merrick's marriage? Those two were truly in love; it wouldn't do toget the Saunders family tear them apart just because they were too proud to accept the union.

Maya's expression grew unsightly. "Your Grace, is this how you intend to use your power to oppress us? Our family, though not of the highest rank, is known for our integrity. When it comes to arranging marriages for our children, we must be careful.

"How could we possibly agree to a match with someone from the Prince family, given their reputation? If our caution offends you, and you intend to use your influence to force us, we, a mere earl's family, would have no means to resist."

Cari replied, "Madam Maya, you should be speaking to Ms. Spencer about your family's issues. I am here to address the case of the kidnapped concubine. As for your quarrels with the Prince family, I am not involved. From start to finish, I have only spoken about the matter concerning Mr. Gabriel."

Franklin lost his patience and berated Maya, "If you don't know how to speak properly, then hold your tongue!"

After being told off so harshly, Maya stepped back in silence.

Franklin acted with brutal efficiency. At his command, servants dragged forward the maids and lackeys who had stormed the Prince family's residence. The hall erupted with the sharp crack of slaps-one after another-until the offenders collapsed, sobbing for mercy.

"Enough," Cari said, raising her hand to stop the chaos. "Your feud with the Prince family is none of my concern. However, Mr. Gabriel comes with me now. You have one day, if the victim withdraws the complaint, he walks free. If not, the law takes its course."

With that, Cari ordered Gabriel to be bound and taken away.

The Saunders family followed in vain, pleading for mercy, but it was all for naught. Cari had made her decision.

Michael lingered behind and slowly said, "There is a way to save your heir, but it

is not without effort. As Commander Sinclair has said, if the victim chooses not to press charges, the matter will end.

"You must approach the victim

yourself. It just so happens that the

victim is a close friend of Mr. Isaac

If you're going to ask for help, you'll want to be certain that your request is made to the right people. Commander Sinclair is known for her fairness, after all."

Franklin nodded and respectfully replied, "Thank you for your advice, Lord

Brown."