After Barrett and Aurora took their leave, Salvador and Jeremiah discussed selecting an inspector general and arranging for food supplies to be sent to the Southern Frontier.
The outcome of the battle was crucial. Having already captured twenty–three cities, Salvador was unwilling to fail at this critical moment.
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After leaving the palace, Barrett frowned and asked Aurora, “How can you guarantee that we’ll reach the battlefield before the Westhaven forces? They’ve already been on the move for over ten days, and we haven’t even left the capital yet! Even if we travel day and night, we won’t catch up with them.”
Aurora was determined, and replied, “Nothing’s impossible if we give it our all. We’ll make it!”
Barrett was frustrated. “Easy for you to say! When we led the Capital Army to Victory Pass, it took us two full months to get there. Now, we only have twenty days to reach the Southern Frontier. How will we manage?
Impatient, Aurora snapped, “Instead of complaining, you should focus on preparing and gathering the troops. We need to leave immediately.”
She then added coldly, “I know you’re unhappy with me lately, and your mother isn’t fond of me either. But I intend to show everyone that Carissa’s antics amount to nothing. The only way to elevate the Warrens status is through real battlefield achievements, not empty gestures.” 1
At the mention of Carissa, Barrett frowned. “Why bring her up now?”
Aurora snapped, “Are you so sensitive that I can’t even mention her? What’s your connection to her? Are you still hung up on her even after the divorce? I see through her–she’s trying to gain sympathy by playing the victim, which is why you went to Northwatch Estate to see her!”
Barrett’s eyes flashed with irritation. “I’ve already told you, I went to Northwatch Estate to ask her to get Sebastian’s help! Aside from the Snowdrop Pills, my mother’s illness needs proper diagnosis and treatment. And even when I got to the estate, I couldn’t see her.”
Aurora’s tone was icy. “Isn’t that just another one of her ploys? She’s deliberately avoiding you while using her so–called devotion as an excuse. Who knows what schemes you two are hatching?”
Barrett looked at Aurora’s icy face, feeling increasingly frustrated. He didn’t want to continue arguing
about Carissa.
“We’re about to head into battle. Can we not waste time arguing about someone who’s already out of our
lives?” he snapped.
Aurora also knew that recent messy affairs had strained their marriage. With the imminent battlefield ahead, they couldn’t afford to lose the understanding between them.
“You’re the one who told me not to mention her! You protect her so much–who knows if you have feelings for her?” she snarled.
“You’re the only one who holds my heart,” Barrett said gently, holding her hand. His gaze, however, was directed toward the darkening sky.
Aurora sighed. “Men always want more, I know. But I show you that marrying me is a blessing for you
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and your family. Carissa might have been dutiful and helpful when it came to your mother, but Amelia can do the same. I’m here to help restore the Warrens to its former glory, and revive the prestige of your great- grandfather and grandfather.”
That was Barrett’s greatest wish in life.
He nodded slightly, but was still puzzled. “It’s strange. Why would Westhaven and Sandoria join forces to attack us at the Southern Frontier? We forced them to surrender and sign a treaty at Victory Pass with promises not to invade the borders.”
“The treaty was about not crossing the Victory Pass borders. By aiding Sandoria, Westhaven is attacking the Southern Frontier, which we haven’t fully recovered yet. Ilyrian and Simonton are still under Sandoria’s control. So technically, they’re not breaking the treaty by going there,” Aurora explained.
“That makes sense, but it’s odd,” Barrett said. “Sandoria and Westhaven never had much military interaction before. Now, Sandoria is allowing three hundred thousand Westhaven soldiers into their territory. Aren’t they worried about Westhaven’s intentions?”
Though Barrett didn’t have extensive battlefield experience, the sudden alliance between the two kingdoms struck him as unusual.
Aurora shrugged. “Who cares? This is a golden opportunity for us! I’m more concerned about them not coming.”
