Chapter 583

“In Harmony Palace, we were confined to our own courtyards,” Carmen explained. “Whether practicing martial arts or receiving instruction—as my sister did from the courtesans—everything happened within our courtyards. I’ve never been to the western courtyard, but the servants say it’s used for religious worship. Grand Princess Eleanor prays there on the first and fifteenth of each month.”

Carissa frowned. “So, there’s a temple…?”

It couldn't be that simple. If it were just a temple, why would Eleanor be so anxious? Carissa decided she needed to investigate further.

“You mentioned martial arts skills?” Carissa asked.

“Greta is my teacher,” Carmen replied. “I’ve trained for years. We sisters all have similar skills. The Grand Princess raised us to be useful; she wouldn’t waste her efforts.”

Carissa nodded. That was true. Eleanor wasn’t merely cruel; her collusion with Yuvan suggested a significant plot, and she would naturally utilize all her resources.

“How does your father treat your mother?” Carissa asked.

“My father favored my mother, which allowed Grand Princess Eleanor to manipulate him,” Carmen said, her voice laced with frustration. “But my mother always wanted to escape Harmony Palace. My father had opportunities to help her, but he didn’t. He only started to fear for her safety when she was pregnant with my brother—but by then, she was heavily pregnant and about to give birth. How could she escape?”

Her tone revealed resentment toward both Henry and Eleanor. Her voice choked with emotion as she continued, “Now, my mother is imprisoned in the dungeon, to ensure my sister and I obey. Before I left, I saw her. She was so starved, she barely looked human. I’m terrified she won’t survive.”

Carissa said, “Go back for now. I’ve sedated all three of them. We’ll search everyone, including you.” The search was a precaution and would also convince Greta that they had gained some level of trust, even if it was unlikely Carissa’s group would find anything significant.

“Then…?” Carmen prompted.

“Let’s talk more in the capital,” Carissa replied calmly. “I still can’t fully trust you.”

Carmen grew anxious. “But without me, I can’t complete my mission. At the very least, let me follow you to the estate. Only then will the Grand Princess release my mother from the dungeon. She may not treat my mother well afterward, but at least my mother will have enough to eat.”

Carissa turned to her husband. “What do you think, Your Highness?”

Rafael sat up, his expression serious. “I leave the decision to you. I’m simply here to listen.”

Violet stifled a laugh. In Carissa’s presence, Rafael’s authority seemed nonexistent.

Carissa considered this before saying, “Go back for now. I’ll see you again. The journey to the capital is long.”

Understanding Carissa’s dismissal, Carmen bowed. “Understood. I’ll take my leave.”

After Carmen left, Carissa turned to Rafael. “Should we keep her?”

He hesitated. “It’s up to you.”

Carissa rubbed her temples. “Am I that petty? I’m discussing this with you, not being jealous.”

Rafael chuckled. “That’s not what I meant… However, rationally, keeping her might be strategic. We can still verify her story.”

Violet stood. “I’ll handle the search.”

She was best suited for the task. Regardless of the couple's rational or irrational debate, Violet seemed to agree with Rafael: keeping a close watch would prevent trouble. If Carmen was truly betraying Eleanor, her limited usefulness wouldn't matter; thwarting Eleanor's plans would still be a victory.