Chapter 1055

As soon as Connor uttered those words, the room's atmosphere shifted. Ryan, standing beside Carissa, fidgeted awkwardly with his garment. A scent clung to him; every evening, he soaked in a medicinal bath prepared by Sebastian. He'd become accustomed to the smell, believing it had faded.

A quiet shame washed over him. During his time as a beggar, the most common insult had been, "You stink! Get away!"

Carissa squeezed his hand, her other hand gently stroking his cheek. "I like the fragrance of the medicine," she murmured.

Ryan met his aunt's warm gaze, finding solace in its kindness. He questioned himself: were a few harsh words truly so devastating? Was he that fragile?

He smiled. He didn't mind what others said.

Kylie noticed Victoria's darkening expression. Quickly rising, she pulled Connor aside with a stern look. "Who taught you to speak like that? Apologize to Lord Ryan."

Connor defiantly raised his chin. "I won't apologize to a beggar."

The words were barely out before he felt the world tilt. Two sharp slaps landed on his backside, eliciting a wail of pain.

"Hold back those tears!" Rafael snapped, his grip firm.

Despite his spoiled nature, Connor was only seven. Rafael's stern demeanor proved too much. His sobs subsided into soft whimpers, his large eyes brimming with tears as he looked helplessly at Kylie, silently pleading for help.

Kylie's expression hardened. "Apologize, or I'll have your uncle tell your father." She glanced at Victoria, who calmly sipped her tea, her face betraying no emotion.

Reluctantly, Connor apologized. Ryan accepted the apology, but the prince, biting his lip, turned and fled, leaving without bowing to Victoria.

Kylie rose quickly. "Mother, please calm down. I'll go teach him a lesson."

Victoria nodded slightly. "Go on."

Carissa rose. "Your Majesty, please take care."

Kylie's gaze flicked briefly to Carissa's face, and she forced a smile. "Please, stay seated. When you have the time another day, come and visit me."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Carissa replied.

Before turning, Kylie caught Rafael's eye. The coldness in his gaze nearly unsettled her. She quickly averted her gaze and hurriedly left the room.

Helen rushed to Ryan, hugging him tightly, her heart brimming with concern and anger. Were her sister not present, she would have disciplined Connor herself.

"If the queen can't teach him properly, she should let my sister raise him," Helen snapped. "Letting him become this spoiled—how will he ever be fit to be crown prince?" Victoria glared, then smiled at Ryan, beckoning him closer. "Ryan, come here, dear."

Ryan obediently approached. "Your Majesty."

Victoria's smile was warm, her voice soft. "You did well just now. You were generous and forgave those who insulted you." Her kind smile radiated warmth.

"But remember, Ryan, you're still a child. If someone insults you, you have every right to respond. Your grandfather and your father were strong men, fierce warriors who gave their lives to protect Starhaven. As long as you haven't wronged anyone, no one has the right to bully you."

Tears welled in Ryan's eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

Victoria gently patted his hand, then rose. "Come now, stay with me in the palace today. When it's time for the palace gates to close, I'll have someone escort you back to the estate."

Carissa, understanding Victoria's intentions, hesitated. "Your Majesty, why don't we have lunch and I'll take him back afterward? His uncle is likely sending someone to fetch him."

"No need," Victoria replied, her hand raised, her tone sharper. "You may return. There's no need to stay for lunch. The king is coming to dine with me."