Chapter 1054

Rafael's expression darkened, not from jealousy, but from annoyance at Barrett's thoughtlessness. Carissa had just left the king, and Barrett had the audacity to accost her with questions. Didn't he realize the royal study teemed with ministers and officials, not just palace servants?

"I dismissed him," Carissa said, "but I was surprised he still inquired about Aurora."

"Forget him," Rafael muttered, embracing her. "Let's go get Ryan."

As the carriage rolled onward, the setting sun's golden hues filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow upon their faces, as if the world itself were bathed in sunlight.

Upon arriving at the academy, Dylan fetched Ryan. He had matured considerably. Once, he would have bounded out at the sight of his aunt and uncle; now, though excited, he exited in a calm, orderly fashion.

In the carriage, he greeted his uncle politely before burying himself in his aunt's arms. "Aunt Carissa, my teacher praised my writing!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride.

Carissa gently wiped his face with a handkerchief. "Oh? You're writing now?"

"Yes!" Ryan eagerly produced several sheets of paper. "Aunt Carissa, look! This is what I wrote."

Her heart swelled as she examined his handwriting. Though not yet fluid, each letter was neat and firm, the ink seeming to pulse with life. She praised his penmanship before reading his essay.

It was rough, naturally. The words were simple, the structure unsophisticated, yet his clarity of thought shone through. His mind was quick, his ideas flowing smoothly.

After finishing, she showed it to Rafael, who equally approved. "We'll take him to the palace tomorrow," he said. "Let him dine with the Queen Dowager. She'll be delighted to see him."

Ryan's eyes lit up. "I love going to the palace! Her Majesty is always so kind."

Carissa ruffled his hair. "Let me see if you've gotten thinner."

Ryan blinked his bright eyes. "No! The academy feeds me very well."

Carissa studied his face, so like her second brother's, and a pang of emotion tightened her chest. She tapped his nose. "Your uncle bought you crispy pastries. Eat them while they're fresh."

Ryan's eyes widened. "Really? I've wanted those! Thank you, Uncle Rafael!"

Rafael chuckled, handing him the fragrant pastries. "You little glutton," he teased fondly.

Ryan eagerly devoured them. "Delicious! So good!"

Carissa and Rafael exchanged a laughing glance.

The next day, the Hell Monarch Estate carriage journeyed to the palace. Helen had planned to skip the visit; both she and her sister were weary of frequent meetings. She believed spacing out visits would maintain their warm relationship. However, Ryan insisted, and she couldn't disappoint him.

Victoria was overjoyed to see Ryan. She took his hand, inquiring about his studies, his meals, and his sleep. He answered obediently, then excitedly recounted academy anecdotes. Victoria, like a doting grandmother, listened intently, thoroughly enjoying the stories.

Kylie then arrived with the eldest prince, Connor, a year older than Ryan. Ideally, they could have played together, but Connor disliked Ryan and showed no interest.

He didn't hide his dislike. When Victoria suggested they play outside, he glared at Ryan. "He smells funny. I don't want to play with him."

Kylie gently but firmly scolded him. "That's enough. Don't speak like that."

"But Mom, he really does stink," Connor persisted, his face scrunched in disgust. He glared again. "Stay away from me!"