Chapter 1325

The next day, Carissa went to the palace to meet Salvador. She proposed that all Mystic Army soldiers within the Nightsteel Guard be returned to her command.

Salvador fixed her with a piercing gaze. "Are you suggesting I hand over all the forces in the capital to you?"

"The Mystic Army, Your Majesty," Carissa replied, lifting her chin, her eyes unwavering. "The troops stationed outside the capital, including fifteen thousand men of the Sacred Fire Regiment, are being sent to Valken. The capital's only remaining line of defense is the Mystic Army, and it cannot be further divided."

Salvador repeated the question, his tone flat but skeptical. "You want me to place all the forces in the capital, including my personal guards, under your command?"

Carissa nodded firmly. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Salvador regarded her for a long moment, then smiled. "Your husband commands the Southern Frontier. Your grandfather and uncles lead the troops at Victory Pass against Westhaven. General Murray is your father's former subordinate, and General Farrell is one of the men you rescued. Now you ask me to hand over the entire capital's military force. Do you understand what this means, Commander Sinclair?"

Carissa stood tall. "Prince Rafael defends the Southern Frontier. My grandfather and uncles protect Victory Pass from Westhaven. General Murray deals with the mountain bandits. General Farrell confronts the rebels. As for me, I will protect the capital. This is about each of us fulfilling our duty to defend the kingdom and its people."

Salvador nodded thoughtfully, a slight smile playing on his lips, though his eyes remained cold. "You make a compelling argument, but I would be entrusting the entire country—and my own life—to you all. Do you understand the weight of this trust?"

Carissa responded instantly. "I will give my all, even if it costs my life."

Salvador studied her for a long moment before lowering his gaze to his papers. "I agree. Incidentally, the Queen Dowager is burdened by raising Connor. I plan to bring Aunt Helen and Ryan to the palace. Aunt Helen will stay with my mother, and Ryan will act as Connor's study partner."

He offered no opportunity for her opinion; his words were declarative.

Anger surged within Carissa. She breathed deeply, forcing calm. She reminded herself that Salvador was the king. He was giving her command of the military; he must feel insecure. This was understandable. She had to be patient; she had to endure.

After a long silence, she looked up, her gaze sharp. "Your Majesty, I must ask—do you truly wish for my mother-in-law and Ryan to accompany the Queen Dowager in the palace, or do you intend to use them as hostages, to control us should my husband and I move against you?"

A dangerous glint flickered in Salvador's eyes, but his tone remained controlled. "Carissa, you've gone too far!"

"Your Majesty, allow me one more bold question," Carissa said, her voice unwavering. "Earlier, you mentioned Prince Rafael's command at the Southern Frontier, my grandfather and uncles defending Victory Pass, and my command of the Mystic Army. But what does this all mean? That we gain wealth and power? No. It's a matter of risking our lives and shedding blood to protect our land. We are not fools seeking gain at any cost. We are putting ourselves at risk, and we even send our family members to the palace as hostages."

Seeing Salvador's expression darken, Carissa's frustration grew. "As your subjects, it is our duty to ease your burdens and help you feel secure. But have you ever heard the saying, 'If you use someone, trust them. If you don't trust them, don't use them'? If you trust us, we'll give everything. If you don't trust us…" She took a deep breath, her chest tight. "We'll fight with our lives, but it will be begrudgingly."

Salvador studied her flushed face, a faint smile curving his lips.

"Fine, then. You fight begrudgingly. But tomorrow, have Aunt Helen and Ryan come to the palace. I'm not bringing them here as hostages. Connor is truly a handful for my mother. Aunt Helen is her confidante, the only one who can bring her joy. As for Ryan, I know he's a good boy. It's time for Connor to see what a truly intelligent and diligent child looks like."

Carissa bit back an angry retort. This hypocritical king!

Salvador's smile widened, his gaze softening. "Look at you, getting so worked up—there's no need. Putting aside our roles, you should call me 'big brother.' Isn't this a family matter? Speaking of hostages only damages our relationship. If I truly wanted to hold this against you, I could punish you for disrespect."

Carissa fought the urge to lash out. "Your Majesty, promise me that Ryan will not be bullied by Prince Connor."

Salvador's grin deepened. "No one will dare bully Ryan. If Connor dares to speak disrespectfully, I'll smack his mouth!"