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
With a tearful expression, Serena bowed deeply to thank Helen. She then cast a desperate look towards Jessica.Jessica's face darkened. What was this foolish woman doing today? She had directly embarrassed her!The onlookers suppressed their laughter. Helen was easily flattered—a few compliments could make her open her heart. It was easy to please her or to deceive her out of money, but she took great pride in her son. Anyone who aimed for Rafael was crossing a line that could not be tolerated.Jessica was seething with anger, but had no choice but to maintain silence with a stiff expression.However, Eleanor simply smiled and took a slow sip of her tea. She said, "It was merely a jest. Why would anyone take it seriously? Rafael's princess consort hasn't even married into the family yet, so what talk of a second wife? Jessica, you were too kind-hearted. That girl from the Warren family shed a few tears and you pitied her, so you spoke up for her before Helen. And Helen, how c
Eleanor's casual remark undoubtedly confirmed Jessica's claims."It's no wonder Lady Helen dislikes Carissa—she must have used such underhanded tactics.""It's shocking to think that someone of the duke's direct lineage would resort to such a despicable method.""Lady Heather, now I understand why you've kept your distance. It turns out there's a reason for it."Heather held her cup of tea; she looked as though she wanted to speak, but caught Eleanor's icy gaze. She managed a bitter smile, took a sip of her tea, and remained silent.Helen felt unsettled. The decision not to invite Carissa was meant to show her who was truly in charge, a reminder not to get above herself. Yet, the fact that Carissa was Rafael's future wife was a reality Helen could not change. She didn't want her future daughter-in-law being talked about in such a manner.Eleanor's words, however, left her at a loss. Though Eleanor spoke with apparent sincerity, Helen had no way of disproving the latter’s claims.
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
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream
On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen
The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h
In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.Westhaven's king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border—an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra's mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdom
At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana's lessons, while Carissa kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone's hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Carissa's mind—Rafael's health.Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn't able to rest properly, which was always a worry.Bun came down the corridor and approached Carissa, saying, "Vivi says she won't be home tonight."Carissa nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn't need to ask. She knew exa
Nowadays, Salvador would discuss matters concerning his sons with Rafael, especially since he often taught them in the evenings. After finishing his lessons, he would come over to accompany Salvador during his needle treatment sessions.As the brothers talked more, the barriers between them lessened, as did the suspicion.Of course, this varied from person to person. Rafael spoke sincerely and rarely held back, as long as the topic didn't involve Carissa.Up close, Salvador could always see things clearly. Any issues between them were now discussed openly, unlike before when they relied solely on assumptions.Salvador credited this change to Carissa's sharp words. It was as if she had shaken him awake, making him see things differently. Now, he could see Rafael as a brother, not just as a subject under his rule.After Sebastian finished his needle treatment, he excused himself to rest. Rafael helped Salvador up and walked with him, with Derek trailing behind at a distance. The roy
Kylie returned to Everspring Palace, but her unease did not last long.Soon, Salvador arrived. Accompanied by the Nightsteel Guard, he sealed off the entire Everspring Palace, allowing only Lydia to remain within the halls.Derek entered, carrying two items.One of them was the poison powder Kylie had given to Connor days before. When it was placed on the table for her to inspect, she stood frozen in place. A cold, piercing chill spread through her, making her body tremble uncontrollably.Witnessing this, Lydia immediately stumbled and dropped to her knees, her voice thick with fear as she cried out, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! It was all my doing! Her Majesty had no part in this!"Salvador paid no attention to her desperate pleas.Sitting down, he turned to Derek. "You may show Kylie the edict. There is no need for formalities."Derek nodded and unfurled the second item—a royal edict.The moment it was placed before the queen, her eyes caught the first few lines, and it