Chapter 616

Rafael stole a glance at Carissa, relieved to see she wasn't angry. Turning away, he felt the urge to slap himself for even worrying. It was clear Trevor adored his granddaughter.

Rosalind appeared to be Trevor's youngest grandchild. As the baby of the family, she was naturally the most cherished.

"Are you two in a hurry? Today, we—"

"Yes, we're in a hurry! That girl is practically in tears!" Trevor rubbed his knees anxiously, eager to find Thomas immediately. "She may be stubborn, but if the Farrell family gives her a satisfactory answer, she'll let it go. She won't cling to it forever."

Mildred nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Right now, all they've said is that they don't want to disrupt my granddaughter's life. Rosalind thinks they're making excuses. If they're not interested, they should just say so. She needs honesty."

Hearing this, Rafael's heart sank. He wouldn't be taking his wife to see the sunset at Richspire Peak today.

Hiding his disappointment, he said, "Alright then, I'll send someone to invite Thomas. Do you want to be present?"

"No, we won't be present. We'd prefer you and Lady Carissa handle this privately. If I'm there, he might just stick to saying he doesn't want to disrupt our granddaughter's life," Trevor replied.

Carissa stood to see them off. "Then I'll see you both out."

"No need," Mildred replied. "We'll leave this to you and Prince Rafael. It would be best if you could get an answer after speaking to him, so we can all rest easy tonight. My husband hasn't slept well these past two nights."

"Alright, I understand," Rafael replied reluctantly as Luke and Jacob guided the elderly couple out. He turned to Carissa with a lamenting look. "Looks like we won't make it to Richspire Peak today."

Carissa smiled sweetly. "You can go next time you have a day off."

"The next time I have off, we'll be picking up Ryan."

"There's plenty of time. There's no rush," Carissa reassured him, realizing she might not fully understand the nuances of romance. If their relationship were based solely on mutual respect, she was more than capable of that. But if they wanted something deeper, she could learn. All she needed was time.

Actually, when he went to Sandoria to rescue the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, Violet had asked if she missed Rafael. Carissa wasn't sure if she did. She had definitely thought about him, but more than that, she worried about the rescue's success and his safety.

Violet had told her she had changed. In the past, she loved everyone, but now she feared loving someone. Love meant caring, and caring meant worrying about loss.

"Carissa, you're not brave anymore. You've become cowardly," Violet had said.

Chapter 616

Rafael had already sent someone to summon Thomas as Carissa mulled over these thoughts.

Meeting with Thomas didn't require a change of clothes. His streamlined riding outfit at least conveyed that he'd used part of his day off for Thomas's sake, and he hoped the man wouldn't beat around the bush—Rafael just needed a straightforward answer to relay.

Carissa glanced at Rafael and gave him a heads-up. "Thomas probably doesn't really want to get married. He's just letting it be known to dissuade Viola."

Rafael replied, "That's true, but he really should have a wife. Life is much better with a spouse."

"Everyone has different ideas about that. We can't force him into it."

Rafael nodded, his eyes suddenly taking on a pitiful look. "I didn't mean anything by saying this wouldn't be Thomas's first marriage. I swear, I wasn't trying to imply anything."

Carissa smiled knowingly. "I understand. You were just stating facts. I'm sure Thomas won't mind." Rafael studied her for a moment. "What about you? Do you mind me saying it?"

"Why would I? It's not like I—" Carissa began, then paused. She wasn't exactly a first-time bride, either. "As long as you don't mind, then it's fine. I have no reason to feel upset. I'm the one benefiting here."

Rafael chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "I don't mind at all if you're benefiting."

"What kind of wolfish words are these?" Violet exclaimed, entering the room just in time to hear Rafael's remark. She took a step back, looking mockingly alarmed. "Should I leave?"