Chapter 1069

Viola didn't know what to do, so she decided to let the cold war continue. After all, she had initiated the divorce proceedings; Barrett had only agreed on impulse. If they truly divorced, he'd never find another wife. Who would want him? His only prospects would be a merchant's daughter or a commoner. No family of standing would accept him.

"Let's not speak of this again tonight," Viola said wearily, closing her eyes. "Tomorrow, send for the physician. Tell them I'm unwell and need rest for a few days."

"Yes, Madam Viola." Poppy was uncertain whether her mistress genuinely wanted a divorce or was merely venting frustration. She remained silent, hesitant to press the matter.

The next morning, Barrett waited at the gates of Hell Monarch Estate. This time, he sought an audience with Rafael, not Carissa.

Rafael, upon seeing Barrett's pale, drawn face, summoned Dylan to inquire. Barrett approached, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness."

"What do you want?" Rafael asked, appraising him.

Barrett, summoning his courage, asked, "Your Highness, have the people of Westhaven dealt with Aurora?"

Rafael, still irritated by Barrett's previous interruption of Carissa, offered no sympathy. "How would I know? Ask someone else," he replied coldly.

"Your Highness!" Barrett quickly stepped forward, blocking his path and bowing low. "I know you're the first to hear such news. I admit my past mistakes, but please, for the sake of my cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, tell me what you know."

Rafael's irritation shifted to amusement. "Barrett, your 'cooperation' with the Ministry of Justice is your duty as a subject, a means of protecting your position and family. Don't pretend it's a favor. If you want favors, go to the Ministry of Justice."

Barrett, realizing his plea was ineffective, apologized, bowing lower. "I misspoke, Your Highness. I humbly request you share any information you possess."

Perhaps due to recurring nightmares, Barrett's complexion was worse than ever. His eyes were sunken, his posture slumped, as if burdened by life's weight.

Rafael, losing interest, dismissed him with a wave. "If there's news, I'll have someone send word. As of now, I haven't received anything. You may leave."

"But—"

"But what? Just leave," Rafael interrupted, eager to end the encounter. He didn't want Barrett lingering and potentially encountering Carissa, which would undoubtedly fuel gossip—gossip that would only harm her.

"Your Highness, please, if you hear anything, send word. Otherwise, I'll return," Barrett insisted.

Rafael's frustration mounted. "Just go!" he snapped.

Barrett bowed and departed, but paused at the gates, glancing back. Rafael, impassive, stared him down. "Still here? Do you want me to force you to leave?"

Barrett swiftly mounted his horse and rode away. Rafael watched until certain of his departure, then turned to Dylan. "Keep watch. If he returns, send him away. No pleasantries."

Rafael then mounted his horse and departed for the office.

Violet, witnessing Barrett's inquiry about Aurora, paused at the gates, initially intending to visit the workshop before seeking Carissa. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, if I didn't know better, I might think he's devoted."

Carissa, hearing Violet, recalled the time before their divorce, when Barrett returned from Victory Pass and spoke of Aurora. Then, he seemed deeply in love, but that was before Aurora's true nature emerged. Once the illusion shattered, so did his feelings. However, their shared battlefield experiences—fighting for survival—left an enduring mark, a bond that couldn't be easily erased. His confession at the Ministry of Justice, where he accepted responsibility for betraying Aurora, added a layer of unshakeable guilt.

"Let's not dwell on their affairs," Carissa said, dismissing the thoughts. "I should return to Capital Guard headquarters."