Chapter 394
By the time they arrived in 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 universal celebration and family reunions, Avis had passed away quietly. Her death didn't cause even the slightest ripple in Yuvan's family. As Yuvan and his family had already arrived in the capital, 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. Violet, handing her horsewhip to the stable hand, 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. Clearly, they've only just come. Instead of visiting the palace first to pay respects to the Queen Dowager, they came straight to Hell Monarch Estate to visit me. It seems I've underestimated my uncle in the past."
Carissa kept her gaze down. "His visit to Hell Monarch Estate is merely a display for the king. It serves to inform His Majesty that now, in Starhaven, only the Hell Monarch is known, not the king. That's why, even upon returning to the capital, Prince Yuvan must first visit Hell Monarch Estate."
Rafael, understanding his wife's pain, clearly didn't want her to face them.
"Carissa, don't go see him. Go rest in our room. I'll go see what they're up to."
Carissa's eyes were dark with a hint of cold determination. "Why shouldn't I see him? It's New Year's Eve, a perfect opportunity to spread joy by letting them know of Aunt Avis's passing."
Rafael grasped her arm, his eyes full of concern. "Don't be like this. If you're upset, just cry it out."
Since her aunt's death, Carissa hadn't shed a single tear. On the way back, Rafael had expected her to weep in his arms, but she remained quiet and still, neither crying nor speaking. Even when she finally spoke to him, it had only been about Yuvan's collusion with Eleanor, her demeanor as calm as ever.
Carissa slowly shook her head. Crying wouldn't change anything. It would be like carving another piece of flesh from her already festering heart. Tears could not alleviate her pain.
Without even bothering to change her clothes, she accompanied Rafael to the main hall. Violet followed without hesitation. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they approached.
"Lady Helen, you're truly blessed to be able to leave the estate and live with Prince Rafael. Few concubines in the palace have such fortune as you."
"You speak so well, Lady Fiona. What a clever tongue. I truly appreciate it," Helen said with a broad smile, clearly delighted by the flattery.
"Lady Helen, every word from me is sincere," Fiona said, her tone steady and earnest. If they only listened, they might believe it to be utterly heartfelt.
"Prince Rafael and Lady Carissa have returned," Gillian announced as soon as she spotted them from afar.
As Rafael, Carissa, and Violet entered the main hall, they saw a middle-aged man in a brocade robe looking toward the door. He was handsome yet somewhat reserved. Fiona sat beside him, dressed in a striking coral-red gown with intricate gold and silver embroidery. Though she was in her early thirties, her complexion was smooth and healthy. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with two pearl-inlaid hairpins, giving her an air of elegance.
To the right sat Yuvan's eldest son from his previous concubine, who had been raised by Avis as her own. He was slim and bore a strong resemblance to Yuvan, with a dignified posture that spoke of refined manners. Two younger boys, approximately fifteen to seventeen years old, were seated nearby. Their clothing was more luxurious than the eldest son's, and their expressions were even more haughty.
The two young women present, Sabrina and Stephanie, wore matching lake-blue dresses. Due to the heating in the room, they had removed their cloaks.
Rafael and Carissa entered, surveyed the room, and remained silent. Fiona, just a concubine, not Yuvan's rightful wife, stood to greet them.
"Greetings, Your Highness, Your Grace."
The three young men and two young women also stood and bowed.
Rafael's voice was cold and indifferent as he said, "Sit."
Yuvan had expected Rafael and Carissa to come forward and greet him, so he felt somewhat embarrassed when they remained standing. He forced a smile and asked, "Rafael, my nephew. Where have you been?"
"Verdant Monastery," Rafael replied, his gaze as frosty as his voice.