Chapter 1326

Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Kyle tried to comfort the fuming Carissa. “Sending Lady Helen and Ryan to the palace isn't so bad, is it? If the rebels break in, the palace guards are the most formidable. They'd be safer there than at the academy or here.”

Carissa drained a jug of cold water, the chill doing little to alleviate her frustration. “I know. That's why I agreed, but that doesn't mean I'm not angry. He's not protecting Mother and Ryan; he's using them as hostages. He knows that with them in the palace, I'll have no choice but to defend it with my life, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

If the rebels attacked the capital, they would likely first surround Hell Monarch Estate, capturing anyone useful to control Dominic and Rafael. Carissa understood this; she simply despised Salvador's motives. Besides, if Helen and Ryan weren't in the palace, she could still find them a safe haven.

Salvador constantly spoke of loyalty to the kingdom, but in his eyes, the kingdom served only him. He expected others to risk their lives for him while holding their families hostage, always suspicious of their motives and ambitions. It was exhausting.

Kyle ruffled her hair, further disheveling it. “Come on, why are you so upset? Unless you don't want to integrate the Mystic Army?”

“He knows I have no choice,” Carissa muttered, her frustration palpable. Not integrating the Mystic Army wasn't an option. Currently scattered under various leaders, they would be a disorganized mob if the rebels attacked—hardly the elite force they needed.

Kyle shrugged. “People with power crave control, even over hearts and minds. Just focus on what you need to do. Forget the frustrations and resentment for now. Once it's over, we'll have plenty of time for everything else.”

“I still have to talk to Lord Klein,” Carissa said, running a hand through her hair and looking at Kyle with mock annoyance. “Kyle, you've messed up my hair again.”

“Hurry and ask Lulu to fix your hair and wash your face. You'll feel better,” Kyle said affectionately.

Carissa hurried inside, calling, “Lulu! Lulu!”

Kyle chuckled softly. Since childhood, Carissa had hated anyone touching her hair. The abundance of it, once disheveled, resembled seaweed cascading over her shoulders—her "three thousand strands of worry," she called them. No matter the problem, she insisted on fixing her hair first.

Meanwhile, Anthony learned of Salvador's decision to summon Ryan to the palace. He said little, asking only if Ryan would be bullied there.

Carissa assured Anthony that Ryan would be safe under Victoria's care, with Helen also present. This reassured him, and he agreed. He knew his opinion ultimately didn't matter; Salvador could issue an edict, leaving him no choice but to comply. Furthermore, opposing Salvador might only endanger Ryan.

So, he reassured Carissa instead. “It's not a bad thing. The Queen Dowager is wise and worldly. Ryan could learn much from her.”

“As long as you don’t hold it against me, Lord Klein…” Carissa’s voice was tight with concern.

“How could I?” Anthony smiled gently, his eyes warm with understanding. “I know this decision was difficult, but you made it for the greater good—and for Ryan. Carissa, we're family. Don't be so formal.”

Carissa's initial coldness at Salvador's mention of family was replaced by warmth at Anthony's words. A real family, she realized, was built on mutual trust and support, not suspicion and control.

Helen wasn't thrilled about going to the palace to accompany Victoria. She was used to the freedom of Hell Monarch Estate. The palace, with its strict rules and formalities, was a difficult adjustment. But hearing Ryan would also be there, she agreed immediately, instructing Gillian to pack their belongings.

Carissa fetched Ryan and his study partner, Evan. Ryan, sensible, simply agreed to follow his aunt's arrangements. Evan, however, tugged at Carissa's sleeve, asking if he could go to the palace too.

Ryan looked up eagerly, and Carissa smiled, gently ruffling their heads. “Alright, friends should study and play together.”

Both boys grinned, their faces lighting up as they took each other's hands and ran off to gather their things.