Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

The Kingsley family delivered fifty thousand silver coins, claiming it was meant to settle matters for the women. Gemma continued to lament their poverty, Insisting that they hardly had any money left and that fifty thousand silver coins had drained their resources.

Carissa cut off her sobs and said, “His Majesty has ordered you to produce one hundred thousand silver coins–no less. In three days, your son will be executed, and your family members can see him for the last

time.”

Of course, Gemma wanted to see her son. After all, he was the child she had carried for nine long months. But when she caught sight of the cold look in Martin’s eyes, her tears resumed.

“What good would it do to see him? It would only deepen the pain… and the anger. He has done such terrible things that our family cannot accept him,” she said.

“Indeed, he is guilty of unforgivable crimes. Perhaps it is better not to see him,” Martin echoed.

They were eager to distance themselves from Henry. It wasn’t that they didn’t care for their son–he was as good as dead, and it was better if the family wasn’t implicated.

Carissa had merely fulfilled her duty to inform the Kingsley family. Whether they chose to see Henry was entirely up to them. Since they opted not to, she accepted the banknote and dismissed them.

Fifty thousand silver coins–it was an amount carefully calculated.

The Kingsley family members understood the art of negotiation. Pulling together one hundred thousand silver coins all at once would suggest they had no financial woes. They also believed Salvador would provide a portion of the funds seized from Eleanor, so they aimed to give as little as possible.

However, there couldn’t be a single coin missing from their payment.

The next day, they brought the remaining fifty thousand silver coins. Carissa took the money and allocated a portion to the women who would be returning home. She made it clear that no one was to refer to them as concubines any longer. They were now their own selves and no longer anyone’s property.

However, many of them had daughters, young and old, and were reluctant to leave. Most chose to go to

Pearwater Convent.

Carmen wouldn’t be going to the convent, so Violet needed to keep track of her movements.

Chaya wouldn’t be going either. Hayden had made it clear that as long as she hadn’t turned into a pig, he

wouldn’t let her leave.

Malcolm’s mistress, Casey, was sent to Pearwater Convent by Lionel. As Carissa was busy with arrangements, she noticed Lionel bringing Casey in. When she saw that, she instructed her staff to make the necessary preparations.

Lionel looked at Carissa with pleading eyes. “May I have a word with you, Commander Sinclair?”

Carissa handed the list to Violet, then replied to Lionel ‘Let’s step outside. It’s not appropriate for you to be in here with all the women.”

“Of course, thank you!” Lionel led the way, stepping out into the fresh air.

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