Chapter 345

Around seven in the morning, Lily knocked on the door. The inner and outer rooms were separated by a curtain; the bedroom door was in the outer area.

Hearing the knock, Rafael and Carissa simultaneously opened their eyes and sat up. Both were naturally alert.

Carissa glanced at Rafael, noticing he was unclothed, and realized she was in the same state. She quickly grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around herself, her face flushing crimson.

Recalling the previous night's events, Rafael felt he hadn't performed very well. He wasn't comfortable meeting his wife's gaze directly and was still adjusting to their intimacy. He quickly grabbed his nightclothes and hid under the covers to put them on.

Once dressed, he cleared his throat. "I'll get up first. You you should put on your nightclothes, then call someone to help you dress."

Why did this feel so awkward? He didn't even dare look at her directly!

But he couldn't resist sneaking a glance. Carissa looked dazed and bewildered upon waking, yet still beautiful and fresh.

They had to perform post-wedding rituals that morning and offer Helen a toast. Knowing her nature, Helen would likely tease Carissa, so it was best not to delay and risk giving her an excuse to cause trouble.

Rafael opened the door to reveal Lily and Carissa's attendants waiting outside. Gillian was also there.

Upon seeing him, Gillian immediately bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Rafael nodded. "Go in and assist the Princess Consort with her clothing."

However, Gillian wasn't there solely to assist with dressing. She was acting on Helen's orders to check Carissa's virginity. So, after the formalities, Gillian entered the bedroom. Seeing Carissa dressed in her nightclothes and rising from the bed, she hurriedly bowed.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Please, no need for formalities," Carissa said, meeting Lily's gaze.

She felt shy, thinking about the marks on her neck, which her nightclothes barely covered. Despite her embarrassment, she maintained a composed demeanor.

"Is everyone here? Let's begin washing and dressing."

Rafael usually had an attendant, but he hadn't allowed servants into the new residence yet, wanting Carissa's opinion on them. His previous attendant, after years on the Southern Frontier battlefield, was now a minor household official, making it difficult to recall him.

Rafael's current attendant was a temporary replacement from Jacob. They hadn't established much rapport, but he could be replaced if needed. Rafael had never required a maid's assistance, especially for intimate matters—such duties were strictly off-limits for female servants.

So, Rafael took clothes and went behind the partition screen to change.

As he was about to enter, he saw Gillian rummaging through their bed and quickly called out, "Gillian, what are you doing?"

Gillian had already uncovered the bed and seen the evidence of their intimacy. She smiled, her face creasing with wrinkles.

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just tidying the bedding and will send it out to be cleaned."

Carissa's face flushed crimson upon realizing what was on the bed. When Lulu came in with water, she began her morning routine of washing and dressing. She chose to ignore Gillian's actions.

Gillian summoned two maids to remove the bedding and prepare the bed. Lily glanced at the scene, feeling a mix of sadness and relief.

The sadness came from seeing Carissa, who had spent a year at Valor Estate as more of a figurehead, having to give so much in return. On the other hand, there was relief that Barrett hadn't gained any advantage.

Carissa's union with Rafael—her first genuine, heartfelt connection—had been solidified. With the evidence of their intimacy, no one in the mansion would dare question her virtue.

Carissa was dressed for court today, as she was to attend an audience with the Queen Dowager and the King. As Rafael's Princess Consort, court attire was required.

Her dark green dress featured long, large sleeves and was embroidered with gold and silver threads depicting phoenixes and peonies. A deep cyan sash, with two parallel bands adorned with gold cloud and phoenix patterns and gold tassels, circled her waist.

The lighter green outer layer had gold embroidery of cloud phoenixes on the front and back, secured with an emerald pendant.

She wore a crown and gold phoenix hairpins, her hair in an elaborate updo. The crown's base was decorated with green trim and gold jewelry. The ensemble reflected the dignified and solemn demeanor appropriate for a Princess Consort.

Given the cold weather, Lily also provided Carissa with a green hooded cloak. Although the hood couldn't be worn with the crown, it hung down her back. The cloak was edged with white, and the hood had white fur trim, giving it a regal yet charmingly playful appearance.