Chapter 585

One day, they stopped to rest in a small grove beside the main road. About a mile away, a clear, shallow stream flowed. The weather was hot, so everyone rushed toward the water.

Carmen washed her hands in the stream but couldn't jump in and soak like the men. However, seeing their happy play, she picked up a stick and began to dance by the water's edge. Although her movements lacked deadly force, they were graceful and captivating. She danced on tiptoe, leaping and spinning, blending dance with martial arts in a visually pleasing manner.

Caught up in the moment, everyone jumped out of the water and began to show off their own martial arts skills.

Greta observed Rafael, noticing his gaze lingered on Carmen with what seemed to be admiration. She exchanged a satisfied glance with Dustin. As expected, the Hell Monarch was particularly attentive to women skilled in martial arts.

After a long while, Rafael finally withdrew his gaze. He looked somewhat guilty as he glanced briefly at Carissa, who was talking with Violet nearby. He then walked over to them.

Greta didn't miss Rafael's guilty look. Despite the setbacks they had encountered, including the presence of his princess consort, the prince had indeed taken the bait.

As Rafael sat next to Carissa, Violet automatically moved away to talk with Carmen.

"I didn't expect you to be skilled in sword dancing," Violet remarked.

Carmen blushed slightly. "It's nothing more than a decorative skill. If it were truly useful, you wouldn't need to protect me on the way back to the capital."

"I also practice martial arts. When we return to the capital, come and see me. We can have a sparring match," Violet replied enthusiastically.

"Well…" Carmen cast a cautious glance at Greta.

Pleased, Greta approached them and said with a smile, "It's a rare sight to see that Ms. Spencer has taken a liking to my mistress. She will certainly visit your residence. May I ask where it is?"

Violet gave her a sidelong glance. "You're just a maid, but you're asking quite a lot of questions."

Greta quickly bowed. "I apologize for my indiscretion. Ms. Spencer, please don't take offense."

"Ultimately, you're just a servant from a merchant family. I suppose I can't expect you to have adequate manners," Violet quipped, dismissing her with a hint of disdain.

Greta wasn't offended. She merely took a few steps back and stood with her head lowered.

Meanwhile, Rafael and Carissa were speaking in hushed tones.

"I might have been a bit distracted when I looked at her earlier," the prince said.

Carissa shot him a sidelong glance. "Raf, I'm not that petty."

Rafael turned his head.

Raf?

He felt a strange sense of joy at the nickname, as it suggested a long marriage. Previously, she had always called him "Your Highness," leaving no hint of intimacy.

Addressing him by his first name seemed awkward, as if it were difficult for her to say. Admittedly, his name was rather unappealing. Why would anyone name him something so bland? The Minister of Protocol, who had provided name options, should have reconsidered his choices, as should his father, who had selected this name from so many suggestions.

Rafael shifted uncomfortably. "Actually, Rafael is my middle name. My first name is Damon."

Carissa paused. "I know, but do you want me to call you that?"

"No, I just didn't want you to be unaware of my full name."

"How could I not know your full name? You're my husband."

He grinned, his tanned skin making his teeth appear especially white. "I never told you my first name, and no one else calls me that in your presence, as you're more familiar with my middle name."

Seeing his amused expression, Carissa couldn't help but smile. "There was no need to tell me. Before marrying you, I investigated everything I could. Besides, I knew you from a young age. Back then, my elder brother called you Damon, so I was already aware of it."

Rafael considered this and asked curiously, "What else did you investigate about me?"

"Your age, height, personality, likes and dislikes, and any hidden illnesses. Besides the woman you mentioned liking, I also looked into whether you had any concubines or had visited brothels or entertainment parlors," Carissa replied straightforwardly.

"Hidden illnesses?" Rafael was taken aback. "What hidden illnesses? What could I possibly have? Also, why would I have gone to brothels or entertainment parlors?"