Chapter 1118

The steam from the bath enveloped Rafael and Carissa. The water was perfectly temperate.

Carissa had reflected on her actions. Rafael was likely upset she'd left the capital to find Violet without considering the inherent dangers. She gently placed her hands on his chest, explaining softly, “I was so anxious; I feared something terrible would happen. She came to the capital for me. She’s always supported me, and I couldn’t let her get hurt.”

Her voice, soft and filled with apologies, her face flushed from the warm water, conveyed a sincere, fragile guilt, like a feather brushing against Rafael’s heart.

He dismissed Kyle as a meddling fool. Single and alone, what could Kyle possibly know about love or marriage? His attempts at guidance were ridiculous.

But none of that mattered. Carissa was his wife. Body and soul, she belonged to him. They lived together at Hell Monarch Estate, their home, sharing a door, a bed, and one day, a tomb—eternally bound.

Why indulge in jealousy or pettiness? It only complicated things for both of them.

Rafael wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her close. “I’m not upset,” he murmured. “You did the right thing saving Violet. There was nothing you could have done differently. The Capital Guard is under your command; you have resources at your disposal. You made thorough arrangements. If you needed my help, your men would have contacted me. Even if I'd been locked out of the city, wouldn't they have reached me? Sooner or later, you would have resolved everything. The Capital Guard would have gone to you, and I would have sent someone to General Farrell. Things would have played out the same way. You did nothing wrong. No apology is needed.”

He chuckled warmly. “And before I arrived, I was merely following the plan you'd already set in motion. My arrival was merely…a flourish. Even without me, everything would have worked out.”

Carissa’s damp lashes fluttered. “No, it wasn't the same. When you arrived, I felt reassured. With Claire and Iris held hostage, surrounded by so many people, I was terrified I couldn't hold on much longer. I’m glad you came.”

Rafael gently brushed his fingers across her flushed cheek, his eyes filled with affectionate amusement. “If I hadn’t come, the Capital Guard would have. Anyway, it’s over now, so let’s not let this cause a rift between us.”

“Then, there won’t be a rift,” Carissa said softly. “As long as you’re not angry with me, I’ll be happy.”

“I’m not angry,” Rafael replied, shaking his head, noting the lingering unease on her face. He’d always wanted to marry her; now that he had, why be angry? He wouldn’t be, not anymore.

Carissa pressed her forehead against his, sighing quietly. “Raf, you’re the best.”

Rafael kissed her ear. Had he been truly upset, they'd likely be in a cold war. But here he was, openly displaying affection.

Travis, having heard Rafael was upset with Carissa, and misunderstanding Rafael's actions, spoke with Kyle, who confirmed the supposed anger. Travis then informed Isaac, Violet, Luke, and Jacob. Luke told Lily, who lamented, and the news spread among Carissa's personal attendants.

Lulu, sensing something amiss, worried when she learned of Rafael's supposed anger. What were they to do?

Isaac, planning to meet Rafael, found Lulu daydreaming in the hall. “Where are your master and mistress?” he asked.

“Mr. Isaac!” Lulu quickly stood. “They’re bathing.”

“Bathing? In broad daylight?” Isaac raised an eyebrow.

“They’ve been busy all night,” Lulu explained. “His Highness was exhausted, so he’s soaking to relax.”

“In this heat? Something’s definitely wrong with him.” Isaac shook his head, sitting to wait in Orchid Hall’s main hall.

Chapter 1111 (Note: There is no chapter 1138 in the provided text)

Lulu considered suggesting they wait in the outer courtyard, or at least the central courtyard, as it was part of the inner quarters. However, remembering the familial atmosphere of Meadow Ridge, she let it be.

Chapter 1116 (Note: This is simply a chapter heading and provides no further context.)