Barrett eventually decided to seek out Aurora. He didn't want to argue anymore—they needed to have a proper conversation.When he entered the room, he found her curled up in a blanket on the chaise lounge, a black veil on her face as usual. Ever since she obtained the scars on her face, she had made a variety of veils in different colors. She refused to leave the house without wearing a veil or a hood.In the past, whenever they met, Aurora always had the look of someone ready for a fight, as if she could start a battle with Barrett at any moment. But today, she looked weak and sickly. When she saw her husband, she merely glanced up before lowering her gaze, ignoring him altogether.The maid standing by her side noticed and said, "General Warren, you're finally here. Madam Aurora has been ill for two days."Barrett knew his wife had called for a physician, so he asked, "Are you feeling any better?"Aurora turned away from him, refusing to respond.It seemed that neither of them w
As Barrett stepped out of the estate, a sudden impulse surged within him—a strong desire to rush straight to Northwatch Estate.He wanted to ask Carissa in person if there was still any chance between them.Even though Aurora had said today that Carissa thought nothing of him, even though Carissa's attitude on the battlefield had been clear, even though he had been so resolute in divorcing her back then, he still couldn't believe that his former wife could have erased him from her heart so quickly.He thought she was merely angry at his ruthlessness, that she hated him for not keeping his promises. As long as she still felt anger and hate, it meant she still cared.But the biting cold wind brought Barrett back to reality—or perhaps he had been clear-headed all along and had just been momentarily overwhelmed by emotion.Things were already set in stone.There was no point in seeking out Carissa. Even if she still had some lingering feelings for her former husband, she was going to
The slap left Serena stunned and disoriented. She covered her face, staring blankly for a moment before finally bursting into tears."You hit me? You hit me for that shameless woman?! I'm telling Mom about this!"With that, she ran off, still covering her face.Barrett pounded his fist against the study door, his face a mask of anguish.Carissa was unchaste? Quite the opposite.She was pure, as he had never touched her.It was laughable that now, having realized his own feelings, Barrett found that he had never truly possessed Carissa. If he had consummated their marriage before going off to war, then when he married Aurora, Carissa would never have so easily asked for a divorce.After a while, Rebecca summoned her son.Before he could say a word, Rebecca spoke up, "I think it's good that Serena is so determined. I support her wholeheartedly. As long as Grand Princess Eleanor is willing to recommend her to Lady Helen, and she can marry into the Hell Monarch's household, it will
Carissa naturally had no desire to attend Helen's tea party. Relieved that Ryan was finally able to speak again, she now turned her attention to organizing the defensive strategy maps and tactical diagrams left by her father and brothers.Whether it was Victory Pass or the Southern Frontier, her family had guarded these strategic points. They were well-acquainted with the fortifications and had drawn numerous defensive strategy maps.Even during times of peace, they had sent scouts to explore the surrounding forts, meticulously marking every detail on their maps. However, some of the sketches were a bit haphazard and disorganized, so Carissa decided to create new, more refined versions.This was, of course, a time-consuming task. Looking at the stack of rough drafts, Carissa estimated that if she were to do it herself, it would take at least two or three months to complete.She sighed, thinking how much easier it would be if Kyle were around. His keen eye and sharp mind meant that
Brimming with excitement, Carissa eagerly linked her arm with Kyle's."Kyle, where did you come from? From Meadow Ridge? Did you come alone? What about our master? What about Winona?" she asked one question after another, rapid-fire.Kyle rapped her gently on the head, his eyes still filled with affection. "I didn't return to Meadow Ridge. I came from Victory Pass. As for Winona, she will arrive in a few days. She's been keeping an eye on the movements in Sandoria and has sent numerous reports through carrier pigeons.""Winona is coming too? That's wonderful!" Carissa's face lit up with joy, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower.Frederick had brought a cloak but then remembered that the main hall had a fire going, making the cloak unnecessary.Nevertheless, as he stood by the door, watching the legendary Kyle Spencer, he felt a surge of emotion that almost made him tear up. He desperately wanted to fetch some stationery and have Kyle write something for him, which he would tr
Carissa knew that Helen had not invited her to the tea party, but she was unclear about when exactly Helen planned to host it.She looked at Kyle. "When did you arrive in the capital? This can't be a coincidence, can it?"Kyle smiled. "I've been here for a few days, just strolling around the city to enjoy some peace and quiet. I didn't expect to hear your chatter so soon.""What? You arrived in the capital and didn't come to see me immediately? That's really too much!""Well, go ahead and cry about it," Kyle said, sitting down leisurely with his coffee. After sipping half a cup, he looked up and saw Carissa's eyes had reddened. He couldn't help but sigh. "You never tell us about your problems, so of course I had to come and check on you myself. I needed to see if you were doing well or not. Even if you don't need our help, at least I should be aware of the situation.""Kyle, I'm doing very well now." Carissa said as she sat beside him, still trying to act spoiled like she used
On the day of Helen's gathering, ladies from both inside and outside the capital, as well as the families of high-ranking officials, all arrived at Hell Monarch Estate.Despite the invitation being framed as a snowfall viewing event, it hadn't snowed that day. Furthermore, the garden's orchids had been transplanted to a secluded area. After the relocation, the blossoms hadn't bloomed at all this year. Even with Rafael's return and the meticulous care of a specialist, the garden had only a few blooming flowers.However, whether it was flowers or snow was secondary. Everyone understood well enough that Helen organized this tea party to show off.As expected, today she wore a deep red brocade gown embroidered with large lilies. A pristine white fox fur draped elegantly over her shoulders, and her hair, touched with a few strands of gray, was styled in an elaborate updo. It was adorned with a gold crown set with rubies, giving her an air of undeniable nobility.Eleanor had also dress
When the question was raised, everyone realized that Carissa was absent.It was indeed strange. Given that she was about to marry into the family, she should have been present at Helen's tea party today.In the midst of the confusion, Helen said coolly, "This tea party of mine isn’t an event that just anyone can attend."Her words made everyone understand the situation—Helen clearly did not favor her future daughter-in-law.That made sense.Though Carissa came from a distinguished family and had military achievements, she was a woman who had once divorced. Rafael was a prince, and he was far above her in status.Whispers and murmurs spread among the guests. Margaret felt uncomfortable, and disapproved of Helen's behavior. Even if Helen didn't like Carissa, the marriage had already been confirmed, and a certain level of decorum should be maintained.Margaret glanced at her daughter-in-law, Jessica, who was engaged in conversation with Serena. She shook her head.After all these
"Has His Majesty grown suspicious of you again?" asked Carissa, startled to see the pill.Rafael shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, he trusts me more now. Many of the reports go through me and Mr. Murray before they reach him.""Then, why?" Carissa asked, confused."There are three reasons," Rafael replied, putting the pill down and holding her hand. "First, His Majesty trusts me now because he's been through so much. Also, his health has stabilized, which has eased his suspicions. But if his health falters again, and I have too much power and even children at the time, he might see me as a threat."Carissa nodded in understanding. "We can wait a few more years before having children, right? Wasn't the medicine you took previously supposed to last for five years? Since that time has passed, could you take another pill to buy us five more years?"Rafael squeezed her hand tightly. "This is the same pill. The first time, it lasts for five years. But if I take it again, it will pre
In the end, Grace couldn't hold out for long and passed on.When she learned that Caden, having lost his mind, had been sent away to a monastery to spend his days, she was already near the end of her strength. The pain, relentless as a shadow, gnawed at her day and night. And on a bitterly cold night, she breathed her last.Victoria took charge for a time, sending away all the palace servants involved. What happened to them remained unknown to Carissa and the others.With the sudden loss of the queen and two high-ranking concubines, coupled with the queen dowager's declining health, the task of overseeing the harem fell to Penelope for the time being.Salvador had no plans to marry again. He preferred to keep the harem simple and avoid any further complications.But despite her best efforts, Penelope lacked the strength to handle things properly. Every few days, there was some new problem. The matter of the concubines' allowances and the monthly payments to the servants caused end
Kylie stood frozen, her body tense with fear and sweat beading on her brow as she saw the black silk ribbon coming toward her neck. Desperate, she tried to talk her way out of it, her voice shaking."N-no, it's not too late. His Majesty loves Connor dearly. He wouldn't let him be without a mother. I must care for him myself. No one can take away my right to be his mother!"She paused, gasping for breath before adding, "And Lady Carissa once said... she said that Connor loves me. Those were his words. He's wounded, alone, and heading to Eldermere Keep. He can't go without me. I must go to him!"As the silk wrapped around her neck, Kylie cried out sharply, "Your Majesty, you can't do this! What have I done wrong? Lady Grace tried to kill Connor and wasn't sentenced to death, yet you're going to execute me just because I've been foolish? I've hurt no one!"Derek paused momentarily. There were things he wasn't supposed to say, but thinking of the injured Connor stirred his compassion.
Kylie's sobs ceased abruptly. For a moment, she stood frozen.Her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "What did you say, Your Majesty? Connor is not dead?"How could he not be dead? The funeral had already been carried out, and he had been laid to rest. The entire court knew of his passing.Salvador gazed steadily at her and said, "He is not dead, but gravely wounded. Both of his legs were shattered. If he survives, he'll never walk again. Healer Dalton has taken him to Eldermere Keep for treatment. If he recovers, he'll live under a new name. If not, at least the keep is a good place to lay him to rest."Realizing that the king didn't seem to be lying, a sudden wave of hope and joy surged in the queen's heart. But right after, confusion set in."If he is alive, why was the funeral held? Why not treat him here in the capital? What if his injuries aren't as bad as they seem? What if you've been deceived by Healer Dalton, Your Majesty? He's close to Lady Carissa, who has alw
Salvador didn't grant Grace a swift death.Instead, he commanded that her legs be shattered—one brutal strike at a time. Flesh split, blood pooled, and gleaming white bone pierced through torn skin.The pain was so unbearable that Grace lost consciousness multiple times. After hours of torment, she was unceremoniously cast aside, her broken form left to suffer in the Cold Palace.Salvador personally led Caden to the Cold Palace, his expression as cold as the wind that swept through its desolate halls.The king pointed at Grace, who lay curled on the ground and howling in pain, then said to Caden, "Your elder brother suffered far worse when he fell from his horse. His pain was unbearable. He died from it—slowly, and with no reprieve."Caden had long since been reduced to tears, his face streaked with grief and regret. As his legs gave out beneath him, he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, hands clamped over his ears as if that might drown out his mother's screams.Salvador then
Caden's eyes were wide with terror and his expression was one of sheer horror, as though he had been suddenly awakened from a nightmare.Gasping for air, he clutched his ears and shouted desperately, "No! Mom, I don't want this! I don't want my brother to die! I don't want it..."Grace collapsed to the ground. From the moment Salvador had taken out the caltrop, it was as if all her strength had been drained from her body, leaving her crumpled on the floor.However, Salvador paid her no mind. His gaze remained fixed on Caden, the coldness in his eyes unyielding."It is too late. Your elder brother is dead. You killed him," said the king.Caden whirled around, his head slamming into Grace's abdomen. A shrill, anguished cry escaped his lips as he shouted, "You lied to me! You said he wouldn't die! You said that he would only be crippled! You lied to me! You lied to me! I killed my brother—"The force of the impact left Grace breathless, her insides twisting painfully as if they migh
Grace received Salvador's arrival with a sense of dread.The past days had been filled with Carissa's relentless probing, which had left Grace in a state of terror. Yet, despite her fear, a small spark of hope still flickered within her.Connor was dead, while Cecil was but a child and of frail health. It was Caden—intelligent as well as gifted in both studies and martial arts—who was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the throne.If not Caden, then who? Could it truly be Cecil?If Caden were chosen, Grace was certain she wouldn't be blamed for anything. Salvador wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the birth mother of the crown prince and future king.Now, as Salvador arrived at Iridescent Palace, Grace's heart began to race. His presence could only mean one of two things. Either he had come to check on Caden's progress and finalize his selection as crown prince, or—more dangerously—he had come with evidence and questions regarding the events that had unfolded.Either way, t
During her investigation, Carissa learned a troubling piece of information from a young chamberlain. The caltrop Cecil had been playing with had indeed gone missing, and a palace maid had picked it up.The chamberlain had witnessed the moment the caltrop was picked up, and recognized the maid in question as Clara, who served Penelope, one of Salvador's concubines.It was clear to Carissa that Penelope had no reason to harm Connor. Her relationship with Grace and Sylvia was rather indifferent. Thus, Carissa formally petitioned Victoria for permission to conduct an inquiry within the harem and see if Clara was secretly loyal to someone else.As expected, Carissa uncovered that Clara had entered the palace years earlier as a low-ranking maid, assigned to laundry duty and forced to endure a hard life. She was from the same hometown as Lyra, one of Grace's trusted maids.Lyra helped Clara by making arrangements with the head maid, sending her to Penelope's residence to work as a cleaner
While Kylie was still fervently attempting to bring Cecil to Everspring Palace, Carissa arrived."I have long been waiting for you to ask me whether Prince Connor said anything before he passed, Your Majesty. Yet, you never did," she said, looking at the queen.Kylie sharply turned her head toward her, her expression filled with resistance. "There is no need to speak of it. He would have blamed me, for he was always angry with me.""On the contrary, he said that he loved you very much," Carissa replied.A bitter smile curled on Kylie's lips. She clearly didn't believe Carissa's words."He is gone. Why would you make up such things to make me sad?" she said.Carissa looked at the clear finger marks on Kylie's face and her swollen, red eyes. The pain of losing her son should have been a wound to the soul itself, yet here she was, scheming to bring Cecil to her side.Was it for revenge? Or was she trying to secure leverage, pushing Cecil to become the crown prince and crushing Grac