Tears suddenly welled up in Violet's eyes as she leaned against Carissa's shoulder and sobbed softly."What was I thinking? I used to hope the scholar would treat my aunt poorly so she would regret it. I also hoped that the scholar, after suffering through all the hardships, would come to regret it too. I wished they would become resentful partners, hurling insults at each other."Carissa gently rubbed her shoulder. "You're not a cruel person.""I really did think that way. I was cruel, but you didn't know," Violet said, her gaze vacant. "Now, apart from me, everyone in my family disapproves of them. Even the old servants who have been with the family for years secretly curse them when they see them.""Then, why did they come back?" Carissa asked.Violet explained, "My grandmother's health has worsened. My aunt wanted to return to see her, and perhaps she missed her family. So, she rented a house nearby and kneels at the door every day, hoping that over time, my grandmother will b
Due to Carissa's wedding, Violet had first returned home to help her family, then gone to assist the Inferno Guild with the gifts to add to Carissa's trousseau.Though this had occurred more than a month ago, Yuvan would have had to travel from Valken to the Spencer family's residence in Ebonflow if he had gone to propose marriage. Considering the time it took to travel, Yuvan likely arrived to propose shortly after Violet's return to the Inferno Guild.The Spencer family had sent people to help with the gift preparations just a few days after Violet's return to the Inferno Guild. That meant that by the time Violet met with the other Spencer family members in the capital, they probably hadn't heard the news yet."How shameless can Prince Yuvan be? How old is he? How dare he come to propose marriage to me? When was the divorce agreement sent? It's possible he came to propose first, then sent the divorce agreement. That old scoundrel—I'll have him chopped up!" exclaimed Violet, outrag
To prevent Avis from becoming too agitated again, Ivy administered acupuncture to calm her nerves and instructed her to get a good night's sleep. She also prescribed some sedative medicine that needed to be taken for the next couple of days.Upon reading the divorce agreement, Violet became so enraged that she smashed a table.The nuns from Verdant Monastery came to offer a simple meal. Ivy had them bring it over, and they dined in the side courtyard.According to Ivy, the head of Verdant Monastery was a kind-hearted person who had a lot of sympathy for Avis. The other nuns did not intrude and provided plenty of food and drink, though they could not offer meat due to their dietary restrictions."Given Aunt Avis' current condition, she can't even drink a bit of broth with meat. How can she manage?" Carissa expressed her concern."If she were to drink it, she wouldn't be able to keep it down," Ivy, who was dressed in coarse cloth and thick cotton garments, replied, shaking her head.
Carissa looked up at Ivy and asked, "Is there no other way to treat my aunt's illness? Could we ask Sebastian to come over?""My mentor has already come here, but he didn't tell you. He said Lady Avis is just enduring, and it's uncertain how long she can last. If we stop her medication, she might only have a day or two left," Ivy replied.Carissa's eyes widened in alarm. "You can't stop her medication!"Ivy looked resigned as she said, "Even if we continue with her medication, she may make it through the end of the year, but she certainly won't survive beyond the fifteenth of the new year."Tears streamed down Carissa's face. She hadn't realized how severe Avis' condition was. Sebastian had kept her in the dark, and Rowan had always seemed on the verge of saying something but held back.Carissa should have guessed earlier."At least the current medication and acupuncture will ease her suffering. When the time comes, she won't be in too much pain," Ivy consoled.As a physician, I
"Cari, I'm thinking of sneaking into Horizon Estate and getting rid of him," Violet said after tossing and turning in bed."Don't be foolish. Plotting against a prince—are you trying to have your entire family implicated?" Carissa glanced at her friend. "Are you worried that your family might agree to the marriage?"Violet folded her arms behind her head. "I don't know, but I'm sure my father wouldn't agree. My grandfather has always doted on me, so I believe he wouldn't consent either."However, my family is desperate for a high-status marriage to restore their reputation. I'm afraid that the pressure from the rest of the family members might force my grandfather and father into agreeing.""Even if they agree, you wouldn't marry him," said Carissa confidently."That's right, I wouldn't," Violet's voice was tinged with frustration. "But if the marriage is agreed upon and I refuse, another woman from my family will be married off in my place. How can I bear to let someone else sacr
During these fifteen days, the king would personally visit Skyward Sanctum, the sacred platform for ceremonies. He would then enjoy the festivities at the city gates with the common folk and watch the fireworks.The Capital Guard and the garrison unit needed to make early preparations, urging the Ministry of Housing to build high platforms outside the city walls so the king and court officials could watch the fireworks.After visiting Avis, Carissa and Rafael talked in the small wooden cabin outside. Travis had used the cabin for a night, but the bedding was neatly arranged. Although the furniture was old, it had been cleaned thoroughly.Carissa shared the situation regarding Avis with Rafael, who was equally shocked upon hearing about Yuvan's reasons for the divorce."That's absurd, isn't it? Having no sons and jealousy—none of those accusations are convincing," he said, frowning."There's always something that can be used to convince others, like Aunt Avis' grave illness," Caris
Avis gripped Carissa's wrist tightly, glancing anxiously outside. Her breathing was rapid, and she struggled to keep her voice steady."Listen to me. Prince Yuvan is not a good man. He has been conspiring with Grand Princess Eleanor."Carissa was stunned. "What?"She hurriedly sent everyone out, instructing Violet to stand guard at the door."Aunt Avis, what do you mean by that?"Avis' head sank, her voice filled with fear and cold dread as she continued, "Over the years, he has been secretly raising troops in Valken, funded by Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Fiona. Those soldiers are hidden in Stonebridge County."Carissa knew Stonebridge County. It was Eleanor's fief, the dowry the late king had given her."Do not offend him. Do not become his enemy. He is not as simple as outsiders think," Avis said, her breath growing weaker.Perhaps the revelation of this secret had frightened her deeply."Over the years, he has caused a scandal with his favoritism and abandoning his wife
By the time they arrived at the capital, it was already New Year's Eve.The New Year was the most anticipated and joyous festival of the year for the common folk. Every street and alley was filled with festive cheer, with households putting up decorations and preparing fireworks to usher in the new year.Amidst this time of universal celebration and family reunions, Avis had passed away quietly, her death not causing even the slightest ripple in Yuvan's family. As Yuvan and his family had already arrived in the capital, the news of her death may not have reached them yet.When Carissa entered Hell Monarch Estate, she learned that Yuvan's family had arrived and that Helen was hosting them.As Violet handed over her horsewhip to the stable hand, she clenched her fists upon hearing the news. Her anger was so intense, she could hardly contain herself. She felt an overwhelming urge to storm in and confront Yuvan.Rafael frowned. "When I left, they hadn't yet arrived in the capital. Cle
Sitting in front of her vanity table, Sylvia suddenly recalled that the dress she had once asked her mother to order from Camila had been delivered. She had intended to wear it at the New Year's Eve banquet.The dress was a rich shade of sunset yellow, embroidered with delicate camellia flower blossoms. Charming and vivid, the hem of the skirt flowed in graceful waves, the brightness of its color giving it an air of both beauty and refinement.Sylvia asked Heidi to bring the dress over and help her into it. She gazed into the mirror, entranced by her own reflection. While doing so, she noted that although she looked a little haggard, she remained as stunning as ever. Her skin was still pale and smooth, free from the slightest sign of age or fatigue.Her slender, pale fingers traced the intricate embroidery as she murmured softly to herself, "Ms. Moore's needlework is indeed extraordinary. This dress surpasses even the finest dress I own. How truly exquisite."Heidi knelt at her sid
The next morning, Rafael announced Connor’s death, leaving the entire court in shock and mourning."His Majesty is overcome with grief and has fallen ill. For the next few days, matters regarding the kingdom will be handled by myself and Mr. Murray. The arrangements for Prince Connor's funeral will be overseen by the Royal Management Department and the Protocol Department," Rafael said solemnly.Malcolm staggered, barely keeping his balance. His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night. Even though he had mentally prepared himself, the news still hit him hard.The news reached the inner palace at the same time. Since returning last night, Kylie had been wailing inconsolably, demanding to see Connor. Upon hearing the dreadful news, she fainted once more. Thankfully, a royal physician had been stationed at Everspring Palace and was able to revive her.Once the queen was conscious again, her screams echoed throughout the entire area.At Iridescent Palace, Grace felt a mix of relief
Salvador announced his decision before asking Rafael about the investigation.The king knew the colt wouldn't go wild for no reason. He had asked about the horses before—some had a bit of a temper, but the children had already tamed them.Rafael didn't hide anything and handed over the caltrop. "Someone placed this under the saddle. When the saddle was empty, the thorn caused only a mild discomfort to the horse. But once Prince Connor got on, the sharp spikes stabbed into the horse's flesh, causing it to go berserk from the pain."Salvador's gaze grew cold as he looked at Carissa. "Did no one inspect the saddles beforehand?"Carissa hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty, we checked thoroughly. The horses were under constant guard, and aside from the three princes and Ryan, no one was allowed near them. They led their own horses; no one else handled them during the journey."Victoria's expression was equally grim. "I gave strict orders to the guards. The horses, the three princes, and
Salvador's question hung heavy in the air, and for a long moment, Sebastian remained silent. His brow furrowed as he pondered, considering every possibility, weighing the odds.The only sounds that filled the room were strained, shallow breaths and the pounding of hearts, creating a silence so profound it was suffocating and seemed to echo with despair.At last, Sebastian slowly said, "There isn't really a solution. At best, there's a desperate gamble. But the chances of success… are very, very low.""Tell us. Just say it," Victoria urged, even more anxious than Salvador.Sebastian let out a deep sigh. "Even this gamble depends on him surviving the next three days. If he makes it through, I'll take him to Eldermere Keep. There, we will soak him in a brew made from the Everbind Herb, which grows only on those grounds. It might save his life. But the chances are slim. He may not last long enough to even get there.""Can't we gather the Everbind Herb and bring it here? How would we m
Connor was transferred to a smaller palace within the royal gardens. It was impossible to return him to the main palace at the moment, with the only choice being to treat him nearby.As for his condition, everyone could guess by looking at Sebastian's face. It seemed like it wasn't looking good.Rafael had the room cleared of any unnecessary witnesses, though he did not yet report the findings of the investigation. There were still questions to be answered, and the search for answers continued.All the concubines, as well as Kylie, returned to the main palace. The queen had initially refused to leave her son's side, adamant in her decision to stay with him. But upon seeing Connor's condition, she fainted once more. It was then that Salvador gave the order to have her escorted away.Ryan had also resisted leaving. He wouldn't abandon his friend, no matter the circumstances, and insisted on remaining at his side. Seeing the boy's resolve, Rafael allowed him to stay.Salvador remaine
The guards were unable to restrain Kylie, who rushed past the partition screens. One glance at her blood-soaked son was enough to make her release a piercing scream of horror before collapsing in a faint.Thankfully, royal physicians were also present. The servants quickly ushered the queen out, allowing a royal physician to attend to her. Once revived, Kylie's sobs were unrestrained, her cries echoing with raw anguish.Leading some men, Rafael took swift action to restore order. He intercepted the frenzied horse and set the wheels of investigation in motion, determined to uncover what had caused such madness.Inside the makeshift room, Salvador knelt beside Connor. As his trembling hands gently brushed the bloodied face of his son, his palms became stained with crimson.Telling the king to move aside, Sebastian quickly administered needle treatment, meant to simply keep Connor alive for a little longer. The priority now was to stop the bleeding in the eldest prince's head.The bo
Carissa ended up with a mouthful of dust. The sandy ground was nothing like the grassy fields. It had no beauty at all, just clouds of dust flying everywhere. Even standing inside the racetrack, she could hardly see who was in the lead.It looked like Joseph's youngest son, Ingram Carter.As the horses cleared the hurdles, it became clear that it was indeed Ingram. His horse had pulled ahead by a full length, and he continued to extend his lead with impressive speed.While lively, the race was not a formal contest. It was merely a display to flatter the royal princes, so the position of first place held little significance.None of the riders were willing to push themselves too hard, lest they raise the princes' anxiety by excelling too greatly. Thus, the others refrained from catching up. However, the pace was swift, even if it was not their peak performance.By the time the current riders reached the third lap, Ryan and the three princes were preparing to mount their horses. Onc
Carissa was especially busy today. Her presence was felt throughout the palace grounds, as she hurriedly moved from one task to the next. Now, she was back at the racetrack, overseeing the arrangements and ensuring everything was in order.The equestrian competition was set to begin shortly. A large group of military officers and young men from noble families had already gathered outside the track. All of them held their horses, eagerly awaiting their turn.The event itself was straightforward—each rider was to complete three laps around the track. At intervals, two-foot-high hurdles would be placed in their path, and each rider would need to leap their horse over the barriers without knocking them down. The winner would be the first to complete all three laps.In truth, calling it a "competition" was somewhat of an exaggeration.For well-trained horses and skilled riders, the two-foot barriers posed little challenge. But the height had been chosen specifically for the three royal
The stables had already been thoroughly inspected. The horses were fed and groomed, ready for the day's festivities. The four children chattered excitedly, each tending to their own mount while exchanging lively remarks about the grand occasion.Despite Sylvia's fall from favor, Cecil seemed entirely unaffected. His face was bright with a cheerful smile.Naturally, Sylvia was present as well. No matter how she was treated within the harem, she remained, in the eyes of the public, Cecil's mother and an esteemed concubine of the kingdom.However, Jeanette had been too unwell to make the journey and had remained behind.Leading their horses out for a short ride, Cecil decided to test himself. Previously, he had always required assistance to mount. Today, he attempted the feat alone. To his delight, he succeeded in swinging himself onto his horse's back without aid.His face lit up with triumph. "Connor, Caden, Ryan! Look at me! I did it all by myself!"His exuberance was infectious.