Since their arrival in the capital, Yuvan had repeatedly asked Molly to make contact with Violet. Though they hadn't been in touch for years, they were blood relatives. The more they interacted, the more their familial bond would naturally grow.Carissa couldn't compare to that.Little did Yuvan know, Molly was incompetent and fond of throwing temper tantrums. After a few failed attempts at connecting with Violet, she was unwilling to continue and claimed her cousin was judgmental. She also said that as she was now a princess consort, she wouldn't stand for such nonsense. Besides, if the two were to rekindle their relationship, Violet should be the one to make the first move and come to her.This attitude baffled and angered Yuvan. To get to the bottom of things, he sent someone to investigate whether there had been any hidden bad blood between the two cousins.He learned that there was nothing. When they were younger, they had gotten along well enough. It wasn't until Violet joine
Violet pointed a trembling finger at Molly, her eyes burning with fiery rage."Molly, I'm warning you—if you continue helping Jessica spread rumors about Skye Embroidery, I'll tear your tongue out," she spat, her voice low and dangerous.With that, Violet turned in a dramatic motion and stormed out of the room.The entire time, she didn't spare Yuvan a single glance.As the guards outside gathered, Yuvan turned and raised a hand, signaling them to step back. Violet let out a cold snort and swept past them without looking back.Yuvan watched her retreating figure, her red dress like a flash of fire. She moved with purpose, confident and unafraid—this was the Spencer woman he had truly wanted to marry."Your Highness, she hit me! How could you just let her go?" Molly covered her face and started crying, her cheek red and swollen, tears streaming down like rain.Yuvan withdrew his gaze from Violet's back and looked at Molly. The warmth and tenderness that had once been there had va
Yuvan returned to the study. There, Wayne set down the scroll he was reading and rose to his feet. "Your Highness, why did Violet come? Has Lady Molly spoken to her?"Yuvan's voice was laced with disdain as he said, "She's a fool. She's associating with Jessica in secret, and even went against Carissa just to help Jessica."Wayne shook his head. "Your Highness, marrying her was a mistake. She has no standing in the Spencer family. Even the head of the Spencer family is unwilling to engage with you for her sake. She's of no help at all.""How was I supposed to know she was this stupid?" Yuvan muttered, sitting down. His eyes narrowed with a dangerous glint."Violet is a hundred times better than her. When she came today and slapped Molly, she warned her and left—sharp, decisive, and without hesitation. Watching her, I felt a deep regret. If I had married her, not only would I have gained the full support of the Spencer family, but I'd also have an invaluable ally. She would be w
Looking slightly impatient, Yuvan said, "Celeste has become Oliver's favorite, but he still hasn't won the support of his troops. That's something that can't be rushed. As for Westhaven, we'll need to plot and wait. We can't just sit idly. Molly is useless, so we'll replace her with Violet."I don't agree with what you said earlier. Both Molly and Carissa are princess consorts, and I refuse to believe Violet isn't interested in becoming one too. A woman like her, with such pride, would be even more eager to climb the social ladder. She wouldn't give a second glance to an ordinary man."Wayne tried to offer more advice, but it all fell on deaf ears. Yuvan was too immersed in his plans to listen."What woman wouldn't care about her chastity and reputation?" he muttered to himself. "If she gives her body to me, can she simply turn her back on me?"When the time came, the promise of the princess consort title would likely make Violet happier than anything.-Carissa had returned to H
In the side hall, Violet coldly watched Molly, who was earnestly apologizing in front of her. If she didn't know her cousin so well, she might have believed her."Please believe me, Violet," Molly said, her voice sincere. "It was Jessica who came to me in tears, begging me to help her clear her name. I only helped her because I was soft-hearted at the moment. After you left yesterday, Prince Yuvan scolded me for a long time. He said the workshop was meant to benefit women, and I shouldn't be spreading false rumors. I've already realized my mistake. Will you forgive me?"Violet didn't believe a word of it.She didn't believe Molly's claim of helping Jessica out of kindness, nor did she believe that Yuvan would ever say something like "the workshop is meant to benefit women".How had Avis, Carissa's aunt and Yuvan's previous princess consort, met her end? Others might not know, but Violet certainly did.She listened calmly as Molly finished, watching as the last two perfect tears of
The next morning, after court was dismissed, Rafael brought the recently reviewed case files to the royal study for an audience with the king. Along the way, he took the opportunity to give a routine report on the progress of the treason case.Though the case was still unresolved, the Ministry of Justice continued its investigation and submitted periodic updates. At this point, these reports were more procedural than substantive. Suspicion had increasingly focused on Yuvan, yet Salvador hadn't authorized an investigation into him. In fact, he hadn't even publicly addressed the issue. Even after Rafael had spelled things out clearly, the king remained silent.Salvador skimmed through the files Rafael had brought. After hearing the latest developments in the treason case, he commented, "So, it seems there's still no real progress."There could be progress if he said something!Salvador set the files aside. "Well, keep investigating.""Yes, Your Majesty," Rafael responded.Noticing
Wayne let out a quiet sigh. "If it were any other woman, your usual methods would suffice. But Violet isn't just any woman. Ordinary drugs won't work on her."Yuvan raised a brow. "Aren't all these drugs supposed to stir desire? What's different about yours?""Strictly speaking, Your Highness, your usual drug doesn't evoke real desire—it merely awakens physical urges. My concoction, however, is a type of parasitic toxin. It numbs the brain, and after… intimacy, it causes the victim to develop an emotional attachment to their partner," Wayne explained.Yuvan's face lit up with delight. "That sounds like a miracle drug! Why didn't you give it to me sooner? If she becomes attached to me, what I desire will naturally become her desire as well."Wayne smiled bitterly. "Your Highness, this so-called emotional attachment goes against one's free will. It can only last for a short time.""How long?" Yuvan asked."Ten days, maybe half a month at most."Yuvan's eyes gleamed darkly as he to
As dusk settled, two carriages from Hell Monarch Estate arrived promptly at the gates of Edgeview Estate.The moment the carriages pulled up, the gatekeeper hurried to report their arrival. The main gate of Edgeview Estate was even opened to welcome them, showing just how important the occasion was.Molly and Fiona stood at the entrance with Stephanie and Sabrina, ready to greet their guests. Since Violet was a woman, Lucian and Randall didn't come out to join them.The sight of two carriages immediately set Fiona on edge. She was well aware of Yuvan's plans for the night. Only Violet was supposed to be coming—why were two carriages necessary?When Rafael and Carissa stepped out of one of the carriages, Fiona froze and her carefully curated smile faltered.What were they doing here?"I thought you only invited Violet! How did you extend the invitation?" she hissed under her breath, glaring at Molly.However, Molly was visibly pleased with herself. Originally, Yuvan had instructe
Lisandra continued, "The irony is, when I was a grand princess, I could call for women to join the ranks of government without hesitation. Now that I am the queen, I must move slowly, cautiously, balancing all the factions, weakening their hostility and wariness toward me. There are so many things to consider and so many forces at play. At times, I grow impatient, and I wish I could simply rid myself of those who oppose me."Carissa thought for a moment before replying, "In truth, whether one is a king or an official, man or woman, I believe their goal is the same, Your Majesty. It's to ensure the long-term stability of the kingdom and the peace and prosperity of the people. "When the nation prospers and war is no longer a threat, any reforms you wish to make will face less resistance. But for now, you must first secure your position, Your Majesty."Her meaning was subtle, but Lisandra understood clearly. The kingdom was still in turmoil, with various factions causing obstacles. Si
The royal palace of Orivenia stood resplendent and imposing, its golden architecture gleaming under the night sky, exuding an air of solemn grandeur.Upon passing through the first palace gate, the carriage rolled smoothly along the wide palace path, its spaciousness a stark contrast to the more cramped streets outside. However, what stood out the most was the abundance of lamps. It seemed as if oil was no object, for the palace grounds were lit up as though the night itself had been banished. As they got out of the carriage and walked along the winding corridor, the large trees ahead were hung with many lamps. Anyone trying to hide in the trees wouldn't stand a chance; they would be seen immediately.Liam led the way. As they approached a grand palace hall, two female attendants stepped forward. They exchanged a few words with Liam in the Westic before smiling and nodding to Carissa and Violet."Ladies, Her Majesty invites you to enter the palace," Liam said with a polite gesture
By the time they reached the capital of Orivenia, it was the 13th of August. A full month had passed since they left Starhaven.The afternoon sun shone brightly, and Kendrick lay back in the carriage as they entered the city.Since entering Orivenia's borders, they had endured seven assassination attempts. The last one had been particularly brutal, likely involving suicide soldiers. Many of the Mystic Army were injured, and even Violet had been grazed on the shoulder. Thankfully, it hadn't struck anything vital.Kendrick's fear was understandable. The attack had come when he was emerging from the washroom. The assassin's sword had pierced his chest, nearly plunging in completely. It was Carissa who noticed in time and swiftly turned, driving her spear into the assassin's chest before dragging him back with the hooked tip of her dagger, saving Kendrick's life.Though the injuries were minor, Kendrick reacted as if he had been mortally wounded. He howled in agony for half the night b
Kendrick had been shaken by the attack, and the royal physician had already been called to prepare a sedative to calm his nerves.When Carissa visited him, it was a pitiful sight. His face was as pale as paper, drained of all color. His lips trembled, and he shakily asked if the assassins were gone.She reassured him, saying they had gone, and only then did his trembling subside slightly.The people around him had already informed him that the assassins were driven off, but he hadn't believed them. He needed to hear it from Carissa to feel any sense of security.Carissa reminded him to rest and recuperate before she left.Meanwhile, Davis was busy comforting the others. As the Defense Minister, he had seen his fair share of chaos and remained calm. Also, he trusted Carissa and the Mystic Army. He didn't think there was much to fear—at worst, they had just risked losing a head.It was Meadow Ridge's members who gathered together, speculating that the black-clad figures they had en
At the break of dawn, the large procession set out for Orivenia.Carissa didn't feel much regret in leaving. After all, they would pass through Victory Pass on the way back, and she would have the chance to meet with her grandfather and his family again.Once they had left Victory Pass, the road grew rougher. Many sections were full of deep potholes or had been intentionally damaged, making it difficult for the carriages to move forward.However, Kendrick was determined not to ride a horse again. Even after days of rest, his legs were still sore from the relentless friction of the saddle. Walking was manageable, but sitting on horseback? That was pure agony.So, despite having earned his merit at Victory Pass for establishing an orphanage there, Kendrick insisted on traveling by carriage. When the wheels got stuck or the path became too treacherous, the Mystic Army soldiers dismounted and pushed the carriage forward, inching their way through the difficult terrain.Fortunately,
Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envo
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion