After Aurora’s failed challenge, she faced considerable criticism from soldiers behind her back. The generals who had been punished for their trust in her now treated her with visible disdain.
Fortunately, the soldiers under her command still held her in high regard, especially the three hundred who had fought alongside her. Their loyalty remained unwavering, largely because the victory at Fawnrun City had earned them a substantial reward
Despite the murmurs of outsiders, their loyalty to Aurora was steadfast. Moreover, they shared a secret they were bound never to reveal.
After two days of emotional turmoil, Aurora–slowly began to recover her composure. Though she had no achievements of her own, she took solace in the fact that as long as Barrett succeeded, it would also bring glory to them as a couple.
When the time came, she planned to lead her troops alongside Barrett to fight and gain merit. After Barrett’s victories, she hoped he would speak on her behalf.
Excitedly, she approached Barrett and said, “Barrett, when the battle begins, I’ll lead my troops with
to help fight the enemy. Your victories will be mine as well. When it comes to rewards, just mention me in front of the king. I refuse to believe that the marshal can control everything.”
Barrett remained silent for a long time, before finally giving her a curt nod.
Seeing his listless demeanor, Aurora raised an eyebrow. “Barrett, are you having regrets?”
“Regrets about what?” he asked.
“Regrets about marrying me.”
Barrett avoided her gaze. “No.”
Aurora placed her hand on his shoulder, looking into his eyes with a hint of redness in her own.
“I didn’t come from an illustrious background like Carissa, and I didn’t have a master as good as hers to teach me martial arts. I don’t have the reputation of a father and brothers‘ like hers to protect her. She didn’t stay home and be the noble lady of a duke’s family as she should. Instead, she came to endure hardships on the battlefield in an attempt to surpass me and make you regret your choice.
Don’t let her succeed in that.”
“I understand,” Barrett said, nodding. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. It’s time to focus on training.”
“Barrett!” Aurora hugged him around the waist, her cheek resting on his shoulder. “I feel like you’ve become much.colder towards me. Do you really regret it?”
Barrett remembered the harsh words he had spoken to the Sinclairs when they were moving things out of the Valor Estate. He even told them to pass a message to Carissa–that she shouldn’t regret her decisions.
He smiled bitterly, feeling a sharp sense of irony. “Why would I regret it? I don’t. Don’t overthink it.”
Sensing the unusual tone in his voice, Aurora grew anxious. “Promise me you’ll never leave me.”
+15 BONUS
“I promise.” Barrett’s voice was hollow.
A smile finally appeared on Aurora’s face, though it was tinged with a teasing edge. “Remember your promise! If you ever grow tired of me, I’ll have your heart.”
The word “promise” struck Barrett with heavy impact. He had once made a promise to Melanie Sinclair as well.
Lately, he found himself recalling the first time he had met Carissa. Her beauty was unlike anything he had ever seen; her demeanor was dignified and graceful, and every smile and frown was imbued with the elegance of a noblewoman. At that time, he thought that if he could marry Carissa, he would want for nothing else in life.
He did marry her, but on their wedding night, he was urgently called to serve the court and lead troops into battle. Although he had been reluctant to leave Carissa, he also believed that she was his and that his career demanded his focus.
When he met Aurora on the battlefield, he was struck by her bravery and resolve. He began to think that while there were numerous noblewomen like Carissa in the capital, someone like Aurora was truly one of a kind.
He developed feelings for Aurora, completely forgetting his promise to Carissa’s mother about not taking a concubine if he married her.
At that time, he had rationalized that she was already his wife. Even if he took Aurora as a wife, Carissa would throw a tantrum for a while, but would eventually have to relent.
His feelings for Aurora were deep and strong, and he saw Carissa as somewhat rigid and
uninteresting in comparison. He even convinced himself that his initial fascination with Carissa had been superficial, and that his true affection lay with Aurora.
Yet, when Carissa left him with such finality, he felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. Even now, recalling her departure still brought a sense of panic in him.
