Chapter 244
After the boy fell into a deep sleep, Carissa found Rafael and showed him Ryan's note. The prince's expression was complex as he read it. Did he resemble the thugs who had beaten Ryan? Perhaps. Years on the battlefield had developed a certain harshness in him.
Rafael sighed deeply. “We’ll take it slow. I’ll try to be more gentle, and smile at him more often.”
Ryan needed healing, both physically and emotionally.
“You’ve worked hard throughout this journey,” Carissa said. Her gratitude toward Rafael was immeasurable. However, she needed clarification.
She removed a hairpin and used it to adjust a lantern wick. The small flame flickered, casting a warm light on her gaunt face and pale lips.
She spoke softly, “Given Ryan’s condition, he’ll need me for at least two or three more years. If our marriage is to proceed, I’ll need to bring him to your estate with me. I can’t leave him alone at Northwatch Estate.”
Rafael’s handsome face remained calm; his dark eyes reflected the lantern’s light with a reassuring gleam.
“Our marriage will proceed as planned. I agree that Ryan shouldn’t be left alone at Northwatch Estate. He’ll need to be with us, to be cared for, detoxified, and have his leg treated. Once he’s better, he can continue his studies, pursue martial arts training, or do neither—that’s fine too. We can still take care of him. Regardless of his choice, I’ll treat him as my own child.”
His words eased Carissa’s worries. Considering everything, she realized Rafael was genuinely dedicated to her. Even if their marriage lacked romance, they could maintain mutual respect.
However, she needed a way for Ryan to lower his defenses and accept Rafael. Otherwise, how would they coexist under the same roof? As a prince, Rafael might tolerate Ryan’s initial hostility once, twice, or even three times. But if it persisted, he would inevitably become disheartened, especially with Helen also residing at the estate.
Ideally, Carissa wouldn't marry now, but the king’s edict was unavoidable. More than ever, she refused to enter the palace as the king’s concubine; not only would she be unable to care for Ryan, but even seeing him would be a challenge.
Seeing her deep in thought, Rafael said, “For now, you don’t need to worry about anything else. Just focus on Ryan. Don’t worry about how the people on my estate will treat him. As long as I’m here, no one will bully him.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Carissa replied, feeling touched.
Rafael smiled. “You don’t need to keep thanking me. Aren’t you tired of saying that? I know I am. Just rest. We’ll need to set out early tomorrow.”
“Alright, I’ll head back now. I wouldn’t want Ryan to wake up anxious if he doesn’t see me.” Carissa stood, gave a slight bow, and left.
Rafael didn’t sleep. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he pondered how to dispel Ryan’s wariness. Over the past few days, Ryan had been genuinely frightened of him. Whenever they left the carriage, the boy would hide behind Carissa, not daring to even look at Rafael. If the prince took a step closer, Ryan would tense up.
Rafael glanced at the note on the table, his expression hardening. These traffickers, no matter how far they fled, would be hunted down. Rafael would avenge Ryan and the other children they had harmed.
The next day, the prince was much more amiable toward Ryan, even smiling occasionally. However, for some unknown reason, the child seemed even more fearful when Rafael smiled.
After two days of this ineffective approach, Rafael changed his strategy. Instead of trying to befriend Ryan directly, he focused on being kind to Carissa. He showed concern for her, made considerate gestures, and was attentive to her needs. At first, Carissa was taken aback by his sudden gentleness and didn’t know how to respond. But she quickly realized the purpose behind his behavior and began to reciprocate his kindness and warmth.
Since Ryan was most attached to his aunt, treating her well would hopefully put the child at ease. However, after two days of this new approach, Ryan’s wariness of Rafael hadn’t diminished; it seemed to have increased.
It was truly puzzling.