Chapter 1112

At his core, Rafael was a military man, always fascinated by weapons. His deep interest often led him to spend hours studying and improving them.

Kyle didn't answer Rafael's question, offering a small smile instead. "Let's head back. You and Carissa had a bit of a disagreement, and she probably doesn't know you're looking for her."

A tightness gripped Rafael's chest. "It wasn't a disagreement. Isn't everything fine?"

"Sure. Come on, let's go," Kyle urged, nudging his horse forward.

Rafael followed for a few paces before mounting and catching up. His heart, however, remained heavy.

Why, when things happened, was Carissa's first thought never of him? He was always the last to know. She hadn't even sent word; she'd ridden out of the city alone, without telling him. She'd sent word to Travis, but not to the Supreme Court, leaving it to the Capital Guard to find him only because they needed to seal the city gates. Had the gates not needed closing, would she have simply let him discover it upon Violet's return, casually mentioned as an afterthought?

Even before this, Rafael had felt Carissa couldn't fully trust him. Despite moments of closeness, even affection, something always felt missing. What was it?

Trust? Carissa certainly trusted him to some degree. Affection? He believed she liked him, though she never voiced it. Understanding? He felt they shared a silent understanding, both in their private lives and duties—a bond almost as strong as the one he shared with Jacob.

"Do you think she's not the same Carissa you once knew?" Kyle asked, his voice carried on the wind.

Rafael considered this before answering, "After all that's happened, it's only natural she's changed. As long as she's still herself, that's what matters. But… I can't help feeling she's wearing a mask with me."

"I see. You think she's wearing a mask," Kyle mused. "If so, do you think you're wearing one too?"

Rafael paused, startled. "Me? How could I be wearing a mask? I've been sincere with her; I truly mean it."

"No one doubts your sincerity," Kyle replied calmly. "But because of what she's been through, you tread lightly around her. You're a young couple, but you don't have little disagreements or arguments; there are no real-life struggles. You don't dare to be angry, feel slighted, or ask for more than she's willing to give. When you get used to this way of being together, it feels like the most comfortable arrangement. But is it really comfortable? Are you truly content with it? Think about it."

"She's not that fragile," Rafael muttered, almost to himself.

Kyle didn't immediately respond. He cracked his whip, urging his horse forward, leaving Rafael to his thoughts.

The words "treading lightly" struck him harder than he expected. It was true. He and Carissa had always been careful with each other. He measured every word, every action, fearing he'd trigger painful memories, sadden her, or worse, cause her to withdraw.

When he'd said Carissa liked him, it lacked conviction. He felt guilty because he didn't truly feel it. Sometimes, people were good at deceiving themselves, and he had deceived himself.

This time, her safety was at stake, so he'd dared to show frustration. But if not for her safety, he probably wouldn't have had the heart to be angry.

Upon their return to the capital, the palace gates were locked. Yuvan and his group had been sent back to Edgeview Estate for medical care. Though Thomas had taken charge, Rafael remained uneasy. Unaccounted-for suicide soldiers still hid in the shadows. And there was the incident at the western mountain pass to investigate; Wayne's plan had been carefully executed, but more details needed uncovering.

Meanwhile, Carissa and Violet had returned to Hell Monarch Estate. Having heard of the ordeal, Helen had been anxious all night. Now that Carissa and Violet were safe, her heart settled. Still, she turned to Violet and said, "Some say I'm foolish, but I think you're even more so. What was the point of chasing after those trinkets from Edgeview Estate?"

Violet lowered her head, ashamed.

Helen didn't press further. She simply smoothed the wrinkles around her eyes with a practiced hand.

"Since you're all back safely, I'll go to sleep now." Staying up late was never part of Helen's routine. She couldn't afford to compromise her beauty.