Gareth angrily shouted, "No need for that! If you have something to say, spit it out and then get lost!""Gareth!" Mikhail snapped. "Mind your manners!"Gareth rolled his eyes. "Don't be so weak, Mikhail. What are you afraid of? If we've done nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear."Carissa studied Gareth, recognizing that his temperament mirrored that of his dad. However, Norman had genuine skill and achievements, which made people endure his temper even when it was difficult.Gareth was different. He relied on his dad's power and barked out complaints at the slightest provocation—he was like a yapping dog emboldened by his connections. With such an explosive attitude, few in the Ministry of Defense dared to cross him, which only encouraged his arrogance.Carissa wouldn't indulge him. "Fine, since you don't want the scribe to come in, I'll just remember our conversation in my head. You're Lord Gareth, right? Bring out your concubine, Lady Cecilia. I have questions for her."Ceci
Cecilia wore a simple, pale blue dress, and the wide sleeves of her outer garment made her look incredibly light and graceful.Despite having borne three children, her skin remained radiant and devoid of any wrinkles. Her long hair was styled into a bun adorned with hairpins. Each piece was adorned with pearls, which added to her refined and otherworldly appearance.It was clear that she lived a comfortable life within the Duke of Oakspire's family, untouched by the hardships of life. She was genuinely cherished.Carissa had encountered other concubines' daughters before, but only Cecilia exuded the air of someone who had never been battered by life's trials. There was a softness about her, a sense of being delicately cradled in someone's palm.When Cecilia arrived, her demeanor was courteous. She performed a graceful curtsy and stood to the side, keeping a respectful distance from the men. When she heard Carissa call her full name, her expression remained calm, as if she had ant
Gareth suddenly exploded in fury. He jumped up and slapped Cecilia harshly across the face."You treacherous woman! After everything I've done for you, you dare betray me?!" he roared with outrage.Cecilia fell to the ground, blood slowly trickling from the corner of her mouth. She braced herself on the ground, still kneeling, though tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes.Her lips quivered, her voice breaking as she said, "I'm sorry... I have no excuse. I know my sins are unforgivable.""You've doomed us all!" Gareth spat as he fiercely kicked her. "I once asked you if you had any family and you told me you were an orphan! How dare you lie to me?!"Cecilia's body trembled as she let out a muffled sob, knowing there was no hope of ever regaining Gareth's pity or love.Carissa let out a barely audible sigh as she watched from nearby. Thankfully, the king had already made his decision yesterday about the daughters of Henry's concubines. Otherwise, the Duke of Oakspire's family
Norman stood up and gestured for Carissa to follow him to his study.After taking a few steps, he turned back and asked, "Would it be alright if my eldest son came along?"Carissa knew the duke was referring to Mikhail, whose nature she understood well. She was aware that he wasn't as valued by Norman as his younger brothers."That's fine," she replied.Stunned, Mikhail hesitated. He knew his dad never favored him and thought him to be too mild and lacking passion. Norman always chose to discuss important manners with his third and fourth sons. But instead of calling Gareth this time, Norman had unexpectedly requested that Mikhail join the discussion.-In the study, Norman instructed his servants to light a candle with a calming scent. His temper often ran high, so this candle was a staple in his study. However, it wasn't for his benefit today. He hoped the calming scent might help Carissa overlook the hour wait outside and the indignity of almost being splashed with water.Onc
Carissa didn't feel relieved even after leaving Oakspire Estate. She still needed to face the Quinton family tomorrow. And beyond them, there was also Hayden, to whom Eleanor had also sent someone.Carissa didn't plan on bringing the Capital Guard to Hayden's residence, Willowbrook Estate. Instead, she intended to visit him with Rafael in the evening and fill him in. After all, the elderly prince had returned to the capital alone, with all his descendants serving in far-off territories.However, Salvador was still understandably cautious of him, especially since the person backing Eleanor remained unidentified. Without proof, the king would be wary of all his vassals.That night, Rafael arrived at Willowbrook Estate with Carissa, carrying a gift to keep up appearances. The old prince certainly knew how to enjoy himself. After dinner, the household songstresses took turns performing for him, serenading him with music.When Rafael and Carissa arrived, Hayden was reclining on a lounge
Soon, an old steward led in a woman dressed in a pale pink gown. She had a soft, round face, and the dress clung a bit too tightly around her plump figure, especially around her midsection. She wasn't extremely large—just enough for the ill-fitting gown to accentuate her roundness.Even with the extra weight, her natural beauty shone through. Her features were delicate, her skin was fair with a healthy glow, and her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.The steward had already informed her of their guests, so she entered and greeted them politely, "Greetings, Prince Rafael, Lady Carissa. My name is Chaya Kingsley."Her smile was bright and sweet, suiting her softness. It was the kind of smile that instantly made people feel at ease."Chaya—what a lovely name," Carissa remarked, observing her thoughtfully.There was something different about Chaya, unlike the other concubines' daughters. She didn't have Celeste's seductive allure, Carmen's prideful strength, or Cecilia's quiet
After leaving Willowbrook Estate, Carissa felt a weight lift from her chest.The concubines and daughters in Harmony Palace had become an unbearable mountain of guilt pressing down on her. Carissa knew all too well why those women had been imprisoned in Harmony Palace, and she knew their misery was Eleanor's doing. Though Carissa refused to take on any blame for her parents' actions, she couldn't shake the deep sadness she felt.Seeing those women, hollow-eyed and trembling at the slightest sound, had been heart-wrenching.Meeting Chaya had been a small balm, a fleeting comfort like a colorful bubble glistening in the sun—beautiful yet fragile, and once popped, only the dark reality remained.As the night wind whipped at the carriage curtains, Rafael wrapped an arm around Carissa. Neither spoke. Each was lost in thought, yet thinking about the same thing.Eleanor's recent actions had rattled Yuvan, making him recoil once more. Now, he would be thinking of ways to get out of the ca
Rafael waited a full hour, but Malcolm never showed up.The prince was furious. He couldn't believe the audacity of the Quinton family. He had sent someone to inform Malcolm last night, and yet today, there was no sign of the man.It seemed they thought Carissa's visit warranted a deliberate snub. While it wasn't as blatant as the way the Duke of Oakspire's family had treated her by keeping her waiting outside, it was hardly better.Rafael was fiercely protective of his wife. He wouldn't tolerate anyone bullying him, and he certainly wouldn't stand for anyone mistreating Carissa.Without caring about whether Malcolm wanted the rest of the Quinton family to know about this matter, he called out to the assembled Quinton men, announcing, "You should all know that Eleanor placed a pawn in your family—a mistress Lord Malcolm Quinton has kept outside for three years, with whom he has a daughter."Having said his piece, Rafael turned and strode away with Jacob in tow, leaving a stunned s
When Sylvia moved to her new residence, all the concubines sent gifts. The royal relatives, upon hearing the news, hurried to send their congratulations as well.As for what to send, other households usually left the decision to the lady of the house. But at Hell Monarch Estate, the ones in charge were Jacob and Luke.They searched through the storerooms, but nothing seemed quite right. Either the items were too expensive, or they were just simple gold, silver, or jewels. Even the golden vases seemed too small and trivial.As for the larger items, such as coral trees or folding screens, Jacob wasn't inclined to part with them. The coral tree, in particular, was rare. The one in the estate had been a wedding gift from the Pathfinders Guild when Carissa married.In the end, their eyes landed on the most abundant item in the storeroom—Kyle's orchid paintings.This would certainly make a strong impression—expensive and elegant, yet not unique to the estate. If it wasn't enough, snow w
Among the harem, Kylie was most wary of Sylvia and Grace. Sylvia was caring for Cecil, while Grace was caring for Caden, the second prince.Cecil was not Sylvia's biological son and was still very young, so Kylie need not worry too much. But Sylvia had once been arrogant, with an impressive family background and a sharp aptitude for power games.In the past year, Sylvia had softened somewhat, co-managing the affairs of the harem with Grace. She had learned how to win hearts and minds, and her support for Skye Embroidery and Gracewood Women's Academy had earned her some reputation among the common folk.In contrast, Grace was far more restrained. She co-managed the harem with Sylvia and would occasionally seek Kylie's opinion, genuinely treating her with respect due to her being the queen.But Caden, a sharp and well-mannered boy, was Salvador's and Victoria's favorite.If the position of Crown Prince were to be decided now, it would naturally fall to Connor. But once the princes g
Kylie had yet to remove her hairpins, and her makeup was still untouched, her face brimming with quiet anticipation.Earlier that day, a message had arrived from the court, announcing that the king would visit the harem tonight. She had waited for hours, but had heard no news that he had sent for any concubines. In her heart, she felt a surge of joy. If no summons had come, it meant he would be visiting her chambers."Lydia, go and see if His Majesty has arrived yet," she urged once again, her third time asking that evening.Lydia was standing to the side. She smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please be patient. If His Majesty was coming, he would surely send word beforehand so you can prepare to receive him.""Yes, you're right," Kylie sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her temple. "It's been so long since His Majesty visited my palace that I nearly forgot how it goes." Her smile was soft and alluring. "We are husband and wife, after all. What couple do not have thei
In the royal study, the braziers still hadn't been lit, and the cold crept in like a quiet intruder, spreading its chill across the room.The reports had been reviewed and signed long ago, yet Salvador lingered, his hand resting idly on the pile of documents. His gaze was fixed on the dim flickering of the lamp's flame, his mind adrift.He read the letter Rafael had written to Carissa, filled with endless longing and heartfelt emotions. It was as if they had just gotten married, and they were deeply in love and inseparable.This wasn't the first time Salvador had read their letters. While there had been expressions of longing in the past, none were as bold and reckless as this.Such words would feel awkward to say out loud, let alone write down. Salvador thought his younger brother's actions were inappropriate and too careless.There were far better ways to win a woman's affection—why resort to this?And yet, despite his disapproval, something within him stirred, like a stone t
Balin entered the city with just a dozen men. They were all strong and sturdy, with curved blades at their waists, looking fierce and intimidating.But when they sat down to eat and drink, their tanned faces broke into wide, radiant smiles.Balin was in his fifties, with skin as dark and shining as his men's, his eyes sharp and intelligent. He was a man of great wisdom and was meticulous in his thinking. In other words, he remained cautious and never fully trusted the Hell Monarch.His one demand was simple: this would be a one-time alliance. After driving back the Sandorians, the Southern Frontier Army was to withdraw from the grasslands swiftly. No one was to step foot in the heart of the grasslands again without permission.Rafael agreed, and the treaty was signed immediately.Once the agreement was made, they didn't linger any longer than necessary and left.The grassland tribes held little fondness for Starhaven, as the endless warfare often spilled over into their territori
After the lively wedding banquet, Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, only to be struck by an unexpected chill in Orchid Hall. Her thoughts turned to Rafael, who was far away in the Southern Frontier. She hadn't counted the days since they had parted, but it felt like an eternity.She was about to head out to the Glimmering Tower as usual to see Adrian, but then she remembered that he had returned to Meadow Ridge.A pang of emptiness settled in her chest.She thought back to how Rosalind had seemed tonight. Carissa realized that when a woman got married, her heart was filled with so much joy, excitement, and bashfulness. The happiness just radiated from Rosalind.Carissa thought back to her own two weddings—both had been too calm and quiet.Lulu helped remove her makeup and was about to prepare a bath, but Carissa stopped her, pulling her down to sit beside her instead."Lulu, I've mentioned before that we need to talk about your marriage. Have you thought about anyone in
Thomas and Rosalind's wedding had been postponed time and time again, but finally, they found a favorable day to celebrate. The event wasn't extravagant, but as the granddaughter of the royal chancellor, it still carried the necessary dignity.Victoria led the way, and the other palace ladies followed suit, each offering generous gifts to Rosalind for her trousseau. The students of Gracewood Women's Academy also rallied to show their support, presenting Rosalind with handmade wedding gifts. Most of the girls at the academy came from humble backgrounds. Though their gifts weren't costly, the thought and effort they put into embroidering and crafting the items was the most meaningful part.Rosalind's wedding dress had been commissioned long in advance from Camila. The gown had previously been displayed in Skye Embroidery, where it had caught the eye of many young women. They all dreamed of wearing such a beautiful dress for their own weddings. Camila was already well-known, but now
Salvador summoned Eustace to the palace for an audience.Eustace had come prepared. Though he had led his bodyguards and the merchant convoys to quell the unrest, the connection between the Spencer family's collateral branch and Nicholas couldn't be easily dismissed. Even if Salvador publicly declared their merits balanced with their faults, it was not something that could be swept aside without consequence.However, Salvador's attitude towards Eustace was surprisingly warm. The former even praised him for his loyalty to the throne and his patriotic spirit, noting that he resembled his late father in his unwavering commitment. The previous head of the Spencer family had been generous to the court, contributing substantial funds during times of war.Eustace understood the underlying message and quickly offered, "With both the Southern Frontier and Victory Pass embroiled in battle, the Spencer family is willing to contribute in whatever small way we can. We will donate 300,000 silve
Adrian had been in the capital for some time now. In the past, he had been consumed with his studies on sacred firearms, leaving little room for anything else. But now, with some free time, he used the excuse of being unable to let go of the business in the city to extend his stay.The truth was, he was concerned for Carissa.His interest in sacred firearms had begun with his trip to Nerathia to study their methods. He had done it for the Southern Frontier, then Hector, and ultimately, for Rafael and Carissa.As a mentor, Adrian knew that they each had their own paths to walk. He couldn't prevent them from forging their own futures, but he could help them however he could and act as their support.Adrian often claimed he wasn't cut out to be a teacher. But the truth was, his apprentices were exceptional. Each one of them was a person of great character. None of them needed his constant concern—except for Carissa.She had always been wild and carefree. But even so, she had mast