Chapter 535
On the fourth day after the assassins appeared at Valor Estate, Carissa was summoned to the palace. Before this, neither the Royal Citadel nor the garrison unit had contacted her.
Carissa wasn't surprised. The Royal Citadel and the garrison unit would have used information from the Warren family to conduct their investigation. They needed to gather a coherent account before reporting to the king, who would then summon her for questioning.
As Carissa went to the palace, Barrett finally left his bed and went to Aurora's room. He had been bedridden for several days, recovering from his injuries and simmering with anger. Although superficial, his over a dozen sword wounds required bed rest to prevent permanent damage. Such damage would render him useless, potentially even disqualifying him from the Capital Guard.
Aurora had also been confined to bed for a few days. Her less severe injuries could have been tolerated earlier, but she chose to remain there. Everyone in the residence—even the servants—regarded her with hostility, fear, and disgust.
She still received three meals a day and her necessary medication; no one dared to interfere. Married by the king's edict, the Warren family didn't dare ask for a divorce.
After the attack, Aurora realized Barrett had lost all affection for her. Any trace of their past feelings was gone. So, when he stormed in angrily, she was prepared.
Barrett yanked her from the bed, his face dark with gloom and fury. He roared, "Why did you use me as a shield? Did you want me to die? Is this your idea of considering our future?"
Aurora looked at him coldly. "The assassins didn't intend to kill you. Did you think I wanted you to die for me? They targeted me, but showed you mercy. Have you considered why?"
Barrett threw her roughly back onto the bed, his anger escalating. "Don't deceive me with excuses. I'm sick of your lies. Even if they didn't want to kill me, I couldn't have avoided their blows. You grabbed my arms so tightly I couldn't defend myself. Aurora, you're cruel!"
"I'm cruel? You're an idiot!" Aurora propped herself up, her face twisted with anger. "Have you considered why the assassins only targeted me? How did Carissa 'rescue' you at the perfect moment? Her spear arrived before she did—proving she was there all along."
"What are you saying?" Barrett asked, standing before the woman who had utterly disappointed him.
"Carissa sent the assassins! She wanted to kill me! That's why they spared you!" Aurora shouted.
"That's bullshit!"
Enraged, Barrett raised his hand to slap her, but hesitated, then retracted it. He said coldly, "If it were Carissa, why didn't she kill the assassins? Why leave them alive for my uncle to take back to the Royal Citadel? You killed them because you feared they were from Westhaven and the authorities would discover what happened in Fawnrun City! Don't act righteous. You're guilty. Your crimes in Fawnrun City were heinous; your indiscriminate killing makes you a beast."
Aurora laughed harshly. After her laughter subsided, she wiped away tears. "Foolish—you're truly foolish, Barrett. Carissa's scheme worked. Yes, I'm guilty. I feared the assassins were from Westhaven. But when I saw their masks, I knew it was a trap. She's always hated your family, but instead of revenge, she wanted your gratitude. Look at you—you've fallen for it. You even think she has feelings for you. Oh, Barrett, how could you be so stupid?"