At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.
Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.
Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret.
“Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There’s no question about it,” said Barrett.
Carissa’s eyes clouded with confusion. “The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?”
Barrett’s eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. “No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you.”
