Chapter 54
Carissa didn't return to sleep after Charlotte and Amelia left. Dusk had already arrived, and she planned to depart under the cover of night. There was no point in trying to sleep.
She recalled Amelia's account of Barrett's wedding and suddenly felt an urge to laugh. So, this was the true nature of the woman Barrett favored. Ultimately, Aurora's true nature hadn't brought him happiness; instead, it had disgraced the Warren family. All the guests had left the wedding banquet. This was unprecedented.
Carissa chewed on the name, Aurora Yates, and suppressed the surge of resentment and anger that swelled within her like turbulent waves. If not for Aurora's lust for power, the massacre wouldn't have happened, and the people of Northwatch Estate wouldn't have been decimated.
Before this, Carissa had never hated Aurora. Whether it was stealing her husband or belittling her, Carissa had still respected Aurora's contributions to the country. After all, Aurora had successfully achieved peace between Westhaven and Starhaven.
Now, however, she hated Aurora intensely.
Carissa wasn't sure if Dominic knew about the massacre. The king probably didn't, as there had been no mention of it in official reports. However, the Ministry of Defense might have relevant records.
This matter required further investigation, but her journey to the Southern Frontier couldn't wait.
In the middle of the night, Carissa donned her travel attire, gathered her belongings, and left while Lulu watched with concern. The royal guards were stationed at the main gate, likely dozing at that hour. Carissa slipped out through the back gate, using her Lightfoot skill to quickly vanish into the darkness.
The following day, she arrived at a small villa outside the city. Jumping into the courtyard, she saw a chestnut horse tied outside the main house. Frederick had taken care of everything, including providing feed. Carissa approached and fed the horse.
Caressing the horse's forehead, she whispered softly, "Lightning, we're setting off for the Southern Frontier. We have a long way to go, and our time is limited. I'll be counting on you."
Lightning nudged Carissa's forehead with its nose and continued eating. Carissa watched for a moment, then entered the side hall to rest. Once Lightning finished eating and rested, they would set off.
She placed a Night Pearl on the table. Then, she noticed several decorated boxes nearby. She recognized them—makeup products Frederick had sent to her cousin as wedding gifts.
How did they end up here?
She paused, then realized the reason. A wry smile touched her lips. So, even her aunt was disdainful toward her.
It made sense. Carissa had an unfortunate marriage, and it would be considered bad luck for her to give a bride-to-be makeup for her wedding. It seemed Carissa had been unaware.
She moved her hand away from the boxes, unaffected by the stirred emotions. These gifts represented her blessings for her cousin. She had fulfilled her duties as an elder cousin. That was enough.
In the dark of night, the north wind howled. A chestnut horse dashed along the road like lightning. The cloak of the figure on its back billowed in the wind, making her appear agile.
With one hand holding a spear and the other the reins, the wind whistled loudly in her ears, cutting across her delicate, fair skin like a knife, causing a cold, stinging sensation. Carissa's face hadn't originally been so delicate, but it had softened over two years in the capital. Now, she couldn't even bear the northern wind.
How pathetic.
She halted the horse midway, frustrated, and covered her face tightly with a piece of black cloth. Only her calm, obsidian-like eyes remained visible as she continued onward.
By daybreak, she had reached Daimoor County, having ridden over two hundred miles. She stopped to rest and allow the horse to rest its legs. She also bought some horse feed. It had been tough on Lightning, so she ensured the best feed for it.
Carissa ate some dry rations and drank from her leather water bag, which was now cold. Despite the chill, a few sips made her feel much more awake instantly.
After a short rest, she resumed her journey. Shortly after her departure, it began to snow. Thankfully, the snowfall was light, gently covering the road like a thin layer of powdered sugar.
She hadn't seen this beautiful land in two years, but now wasn't the time for sightseeing. She continued to follow Lightning's pace and pressed forward.
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