Chapter 1203

Carissa had barely settled into her residence when Violet arrived, her face grim. "It's about the academy," Violet said, her voice tight with anger. "I fear this is the king and queen's doing."

Carissa blinked, stunned. "The king and queen? Where did you hear this?"

"Kevin told me," Violet explained. "He overheard the king reprimanding the queen, accusing her of recklessness. She claimed the king disliked the academy and that her actions were meant to alleviate his concerns—to prevent you from winning over the capital's noblewomen."

The revelation struck Carissa like a blow, a chilling wave washing over her. Violet cautioned, "You must stay calm. Kevin's name can't be revealed; it would ruin his future."

Carissa sank into a chair, her mind reeling. She had suspected Kylie, though it felt implausible. Kylie's focus was supposed to be on paving Connor's path. Why risk offending the noble families so recklessly? The plan, while carefully executed, was flawed. What if the foreman hadn't died? What if he'd confided in someone else?

Kevin's report illuminated something even more disturbing. The king disliked the academy, but his anger toward Kylie wasn't about her targeting it; it was about how she targeted it. He disapproved of her methods, not her goal.

A chill settled in Carissa's heart. She struggled to reconcile this with Salvador's actions. He was the king, yet he still relied on Rafael for errands, even sending him to Lunvale during the New Year. Now, he was wary of her connection to the academy and the noblewomen?

Even harder to accept was Kylie's ruthlessness. Beyond her position as queen, she was a woman. The academy housed many innocent young women—what if Claire hadn't been there? How many reputations might have been ruined? How many might have faced assault?

What was Kylie's aim? Was it the same as Salvador's—to prevent Carissa from associating with powerful circles? If targeting Carissa was the goal, why harm the innocent? Kylie showed no regard for their purity.

Violet's voice trembled with fury. "It's monstrous! If something terrible had happened, how could those girls live with it? She's a woman—how could she do this to other women?!"

Carissa's throat tightened. That was the most painful aspect. She'd established Skye Embroidery and Gracewood Women's Academy not for personal gain, but to give women like herself a chance to stand tall, free from patriarchal oppression. As queen and a woman, Kylie should have supported them, yet she had delivered a poisonous blow.

Carissa gritted her teeth. "If Kevin's position weren't at stake, I'd storm the palace and confront her!"

Violet looked wary. "She's the queen, and you're a princess consort. You can't simply demand answers."

"To hell with titles!" Carissa snapped. "Being the queen or a princess consort wouldn't stop me from confronting her; the relief would be worth it!"

Violet, though initially reminded of Carissa's impetuous nature, remained silent. Carissa had endured the destruction of her family for the greater good. People could adapt to bearing such burdens.

Violet held back, too. "Don't betray Kevin. The king is furious, and besides Derek, Kevin is the most involved outsider. For now, pretend it wasn't her doing."

Violet hadn't expected Kevin's righteousness. He'd always shown loyalty, despite her initial low opinion of him. Now, she saw him differently.