Her Graceful War Song

Carissa shoved Jessica forward, releasing her.

Her tone was icy when she spoke, “You’ll answer my questions truthfully. If you refuse to cooperate, you won’t get a third chance, and I’ll take you straight to the Supreme Court. Your mother has already been demoted to a commoner.

“His Majesty has been merciful enough to allow you to keep your title, but if you don’t cooperate, your involvement in Camille’s death will be reported to the highest authority. A county duchess charged with murder? Who could possibly protect you then?”

Jessica’s left arm hung awkwardly at her side, dislocated and sending sharp pain through her body, making her eyes well with tears. Though she loathed Carissa, she also understood that the woman meant business–she was ruthless.

Leopold stepped forward to support Jessica as she sank back into her seat. His voice was cold and steady as he said, “Commander Sinclair is carrying out her orders. Just answer her questions.”

He didn’t care for Jessica’s wellbeing, but if she was to be taken away, it would be after he officially divorced her. He couldn’t let her be dragged through the public streets while she still had the title of the Marquis of Ironridge’s wife.

“I didn’t kill her!” Jessica yelled, her fury boiling over. “I just told my servants to slap her a few times. She ran into a wall by herself!”

Jessica raised her right hand to shield her face, breaking down into sobs.

“How was I supposed to know she’d run into a wall? That wasn’t the first time I’ve had someone beaten. ‘I’ve done it before without them killing themselves. I only had them slap her to blow off some steam, and it was all your fault! If you hadn’t fought with me, I wouldn’t have gone back to Harmony Palace in such a foul mood!”

Leopold felt a chill run down his spine. “What are you saying? Every time you went back to Harmony Palace after an argument with me, you took it out on them? And you’ve even killed one?”

“Who knew she would die? It was her own foolishness! What does that have to do with me?”

Jessica wiped her tears with her sleeve, her left hand throbbing painfully as more tears streamed down

her cheeks. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“You…” Leopold looked angrily between Jessica and Carissa.

He knew Jessica had a cruel streak, but he never imagined she could be responsible for someone’s death.

“How can you be so heartless? Just because I argue with you, you take it out on others?”

Leopold’s household had always adhered to the true aristocratic way, rarely resorting to beating or selling servants. When Jessica first arrived, she had caused quite a stir, but Margaret had swiftly taken control of the household, ensuring strict rules were followed. Despite Jessica’s title, Margaret maintained a firm hand, leaving Jessica unable to act out openly.

Yet, it seemed Jessica would always return to Harmony Palace to vent her frustrations. No wonder she had to escape there each time she threw a tantrum.

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Carissa watched Jessica, who was now wailing uncontrollably, her expression icy.

“A few slaps? Is that really all it was? Everyone in Harmony Palace knows you love using your shoes to hit people’s faces. You only stop when their cheeks are bruised and blood is running from their mouth, nose, and ears! How many times did you beat Camille? You left her deaf in both ears, and for a while, her mouth bled constantly. You specifically targeted her!”

Seeing the shock on Leopold’s face, Jessica panicked and shouted, “What difference does it make? Hitting someone in the face doesn’t kill them! Either way, I’ve never killed anyone!”

Outside the main door, a servant sent by Margaret was eavesdropping. Hearing this, she hurried off to report back.

When Margaret heard the news, her face changed instantly and she leaped to her feet. “What? Is that true?

“It is, Madam Margaret. She admitted it herself.”

Margaret sat back down and raised her hand. “Go out and continue listening.”

“Yes, ma’am!” The servant hurried out.

Leopold’s secondary wife, Emma, was also present. After hearing the news, she looked stunned. “Mother, what should we do? If she’s implicated in these crimes, it will reflect badly on our household.”

Margaret trembled with anger, her lips quivering. It took her a moment to regain her composure.

“She’s so malicious! I’m sure His Majesty will not allow her to keep her title. She must pay for what she has done.”