Chapter 406

The night was filled with lively festivities that lasted past midnight. Afterward, everyone retired to their rooms. Ryan was exhausted but held on as long as he could. At the end of the night, Travis carried him back to their room.

Rafael held Carissa close in the warmth of their bed, hoping to warm her heart as well as her body. He expected her to speak, but she remained silent, quietly lying in his embrace, breathing evenly. He couldn't tell if she was asleep.

However, Carissa was awake. She couldn't sleep, and she didn't want to move or speak. Some things, she believed, had to be endured silently. She would grit her teeth and bear the pain. Time, she hoped, would heal the wounds.

That was her usual coping mechanism. What was different now was that she had someone who truly cared for her.

Rafael felt a pang of sadness, mostly for her pain. She smiled when happy, but never cried in front of him when sad. She always hid her sorrow, presenting only calm, rationality, and smiles.

He had never heard her say she loved him, except once to Ryan—a lie meant to appease him. At the time, Rafael had taken it seriously, deceiving himself. He somewhat blamed his older brother. After returning from the Southern Frontier, Rafael had hoped to cultivate his feelings for Carissa and then propose grandly. However, Salvador's edict had made their marriage a necessity.

At least Carissa knew he had once wished to marry her, proving his feelings genuine.

Carissa barely fell asleep before dawn. Since Helen was staying at the palace, Carissa didn't need to wake early to greet her. However, she was soon awakened by fireworks. After lying in bed dazed for a while, she got up and changed.

Lulu came to help with her hair, saying, "His Highness went to the main courtyard early this morning to receive guests. Some officials have arrived."

"Were any ladies accompanying them?" Carissa asked. As mistress of Hell Monarch Estate, it was her duty to entertain visiting ladies.

"No. According to Ms. Spencer, they're just a few military officers," Lulu replied.

"Has Vivi gotten up too?" Carissa touched her pale cheek. "Apply some makeup for me. If guests arrive later and see me like this, I might scare them."

"Just don't see them, then." Violet swaggered into the bedroom after learning Carissa was awake. "Tsk, tsk! What kind of new bride sleeps this late? I guess it's because you're spoiled by the marshal."

Carissa threw a small makeup box at her.

Violet raised her foot, caught the box, and kicked it back. "It's New Year's Day. No need to be rude."

Carissa caught the box with one hand and smiled, handing it to Lulu. Lulu, caught in their exchange, looked confused, but fortunately, the makeup didn't fall or spill.

After Lulu finished Carissa's hair, Violet pouted playfully. "Lulu, dear, step outside for a bit. I need to chat with your young mistress."

Lulu laughed. "Ms. Spencer, just speak plainly. Why pout and twist like that? People might think you're having a fit."

Carissa chuckled softly.

Violet struck a pose. "You don't understand. This is called being charming."

After Lulu tidied up, she brushed her hair behind her ears and winked. "This is charming. See?" With that, she left smiling.

Violet moved a chair closer and sat beside Carissa, examining themselves in the mirror. "Ugh, she outshone me. So frustrating."

Violet continued casually, "Claire wrote back. My grandfather didn't promise me to Yuvan, but my cousin was willing. She spent an entire night kneeling in the cold at my grandfather's house before he finally agreed."

Carissa frowned. "Doesn't your cousin know his character?"

(The final sentence fragment "Sun wing that whe The way" is unintelligible and needs to be removed or clarified.)