The night was filled with lively festivities that lasted until past midnight, after which everyone retired to their rooms to sleep.Ryan was exhausted beyond measure, but he held on as much as he could. At the end of the night, Travis carried him back to their room.Rafael held Carissa close in the warmth of their bed, hoping to warm not just her body but her heart as well. He expected her to say something, but she remained silent, quietly lying in his embrace with even breaths. He couldn't tell if she had fallen asleep.However, Carissa was not asleep. She couldn't sleep, and she didn't want to move or speak. Some things, she believed, had to be endured silently. She would grit her teeth through the pain. Time would eventually cover the wounds, sealing away the hurt.That was her usual way of coping.What was different now was that she had someone who truly cared for her.Rafael felt a pang of sadness in his heart, mostly from the pain he felt for her. She would smile at him whe
Carissa responded with a thoughtful hum. "If an ordinary woman thought that way, I'd understand. But the Spencer family is a prestigious family from Ebonflow with a century-long unbroken lineage, though their marriage matters are complicated because of your aunt's elopement. Still, you're from a prominent family yourself. Why cling to someone with a higher status? Wouldn't marrying into a lower status family so you'd hold more authority in the marriage be a more comfortable life?""That's why I say she's foolish," Violet said, fastening the Mystic Pearl earrings on Carissa. "Yuvan's interest in the Spencer family isn't as simple as it seems. He's already left the capital this morning. I wonder how he'll handle your aunt's funeral.""Have people been sent to keep watch?" Carissa asked."They have," Violet said, pinching Carissa's cheek. "Smile a little. You haven't smiled much these days. If I had descendants, I'd want them to smile every day even after I'm gone."Carissa swatted
Mary was already quite exhausted. Upon receiving the hot drink and food at the estate, she heartily drank two large bowls of stew and even asked if she could have another bowl.Carissa placed a stack of banknotes, amounting to ten thousand silver coins, along with the stew on the table. Mary's eyes widened in shock; she looked up at Carissa, visibly trembling with awe and emotion. She had spent two days raising only seven hundred silver coins.As Mary struggled to find words in her astonishment, Helen interjected from the side, "Bring me the box for storing the banknotes. Give her twenty thousand silver coins."As Carissa's mother-in-law, it was only right to support her daughter-in-law, and to do so generously.Mary stood up in excitement, her tears nearly spilling over."Please, don't be so overwhelmed. Sit down, Madam Clayton," Carissa said, concerned that the old woman's emotional response might lead to a health issue.Mary's granddaughters-in-law couldn't help but be moved t
Speaking of which, it had indeed been a while since anyone had paid attention to the affairs of the Warren family.With Barrett having two wives now, they would surely be able to attend to Rebecca properly.Helen remarked, "Yes, that's true. After people argue, they often say hurtful things. No matter who comes, they'll just keep insulting, and they use the most vicious words."As Helen spoke, she shrunk back slightly, clearly feeling a bit guilty.Violet smiled and said, "It sounds like there's a story behind this."Helen smiled wryly. "Back when I had a quarrel with Dakota and lost, the late king came to console me. I was so upset that I almost caused a major disaster by directing my anger at him. Fortunately, my sister came to the rescue, or I would have likely ended up in a secluded residence far from the main palace, weaving spider webs."Carissa and Violet exchanged amused glances. Helen did sometimes speak without regard for the occasion.Victoria did indeed dote on Helen
However, there were always a few people who criticized Carissa, claiming that as the Hell Monarch's princess consort and the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Northwatch's family, she was wealthy and could easily afford the donation of several tens of thousands of silver coins. So, how could thirty thousand silver coins be a significant amount for her?In contrast, they claimed that the Warren family was poor and that Rebecca, who had long been ill, couldn't be expected to donate money. This explanation was promptly rebutted."Do you have a misunderstanding about what constitutes being poor? When Barrett married Aurora, the dowry was reportedly between ten and twenty thousand silver coins. And what about the dowry of the Prince family's daughter? Did you not see the amount?""You say they're poor, but what spills from their fingers could feed you for a year.""Even if they're poor, not donating is one thing, but why insult the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family by c
Carissa chuckled softly.Still, she needed to be clear about a few things. She instructed Violet to find Kiera, brought her back, and had the girl seated in a chair."Have you seen him?" she asked. Kiera's eyes shimmered with a glint of excitement. "Yes, he came to the palace to pay respects to the queen, and I saw him then.""What do you like about him?" Carissa asked."I'm not sure. I just liked him when I saw him," Kiera replied.Carissa wasn't familiar with Logan's appearance, but a first impression that sparked immediate affection often indicated love at first sight, which usually related closely to one's appearance."Well, then should we have someone inquire into this?""I can't make that decision. It's up to Mom and you," Kiera said, her lips curving upwards despite herself. "But, I don't mind. Go ahead and inquire."A princess' marriage wasn't something that required extensive inquiry. If she had her heart set on someone, it would simply be a matter of issuing a royal
When Rafael returned from work, Carissa updated him on the matter.After removing his cloak and handing it to a servant, Rafael sat down and sipped on a cup of coffee. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Logan is a typical wealthy young man—fond of pleasure and indulgence. He and Kiera do seem to share...similar interests.""In a few days, I expect the Quinton family will come to finalize the betrothal. My suggestion is to follow the usual marriage customs. I've spoken with Kiera, and she enjoys these traditional ceremonies," said Carissa."Have her marriage arranged according to her preferences. I'm her brother. I've faced countless dangers on the battlefield, and it's all been to ensure that she and my mother can live freely as they please."He took Carissa's hand and guided her to sit beside him, his eyes gentle. "Originally, I wanted to say that to you, but it seems I don't really have the right to. Your father's and brothers' military achievements, and your own, shoul
Carissa pinched his cheek playfully. "If you stop scowling in front of her, she won't think you're going to lecture her."Rafael caught her hand and, with a playful peck on her lips, replied with a smile, "I can't help it—it's just my natural aura.""You often smile when you're with me, don't you? You should smile more at her too."Rafael nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say."Carissa went out to give instructions, telling the servants not to bring food to Helen's room. Instead, Carissa would personally invite her to the dining hall.Helen was a bit fidgety, and asked several times how Rafael was feeling today. Carissa reassured, "He's in a good mood."Relieved, Helen followed Carissa to the dining hall. Rafael was already seated and, upon seeing her, stood up and greeted her. "Mom, you're here."His tall, upright figure, combined with his habitual calm demeanor, conveyed the imposing presence of a seasoned general.Then, in a show of obedience to his wife's advice, Rafael
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
The queen waited anxiously for two days, but nothing happened.Lydia secretly went to the Royal Medical Department to see Dorian, but he was on leave due to family matters, so she couldn't find out if he had said anything to Salvador.However, with no order for house arrest issued, Kylie's concerns were eased considerably.As days passed without any further developments, she relaxed entirely, convinced that Dorian had said nothing to the king. It seemed unlikely that the royal physician would ever speak up. After all, he had been paid handsomely.Yet, over time, something began to feel off.Every day, Kylie had Lydia deliver food to Connor, but he wouldn't touch it. At first, he claimed Victoria had advised him to stick to bland meals because his stomach was still bothering him. Though Kylie found that reasonable, it had been many days since the incident, and there was no sign that the young prince was in poor health.So, why was he still refusing to eat?With a sense of unease
As Kylie stepped out, she caught sight of the scene before her, and a shadow seemed to fall across her heart. The feeling was difficult to describe.She approached, seizing the opportunity with the court officials present, and spoke up. "Prince Connor's failure today was indeed a disappointment. However, he had been suffering from stomach pains and weakness since this morning. I've already called for a royal physician and had medicine prepared."Salvador's brow furrowed. "What did the royal physician say?""He believes it's due to something Prince Connor ate. He's taken the medicine, and he's feeling somewhat better now," Kylie responded quickly. Salvador's response was indifferent. "Then take good care of him.""Of course!" Kylie answered, stealing a glance at the others in the room. Though their expressions were unreadable, Salvador didn't seem particularly angry. Perhaps this matter was already behind them.She smiled and was about to congratulate Salvador on hunting the
In royal matters, people seldom delve too deeply. Especially since Connor was still young, his failure today wasn't seen as anything of real consequence. After all, he was the queen's son, destined for great honor in the future—no one would judge him too harshly over a small setback.As everyone saw him suffering in pain, many began suggesting various remedies. Some had oils to apply on his stomach, while others offered their own suggestions of concoctions.Even Sylvia and Grace came in to inquire after him. After all, they had brought their children along and surely carried some medicine with them. Seeing Connor's discomfort, they offered their remedies.However, Kylie made no use of their offers. Her goal was simply to have them see Connor's current condition so they would report it to their families later.In short, Connor's failure needed an explanation, a reason to let everyone know that he wasn't incompetent—it was just due to his physical discomfort.After everyone had ch
After a while, Max finally arrived. Upon seeing Carissa and Connor together, he let out a sigh of relief. "Commander Sinclair, we need to get Prince Connor back right away. Her Majesty is worried, and she's already sent people looking for him. However, the attendants are too afraid to go into the fenced area, so they've been calling from the outside."Connor clearly looked conflicted and didn't want to go back."Your mom cares about you. She'll be worried. You should return," Carissa said gently.Connor pouted. "She doesn't really love me. She only scolds me. She's a bad person."Carissa looked at him, somewhat surprised. Kylie doted on him—even spoiled him—so he should have been able to feel that love.Now, after just a couple of scoldings, Kylie was suddenly the bad person?However, as Carissa thought back to her time at the Pathfinders Guild, she understood. There, no matter how strict Everett was, no matter the punishments, she never dared to complain. But if Adrian scolded