Chapter 645

Rafael knew this was Jacob's greatest regret. The man had even vowed not to marry until he found his sister.

"Alright," Rafael said. "I'll discuss this with Carissa, but I can't guarantee Kyle will agree. It sounds a little ridiculous."

Jacob remained calm. "I only ask that you speak to Mr. Spencer about it. If it doesn't work out, I won't be disappointed."

"Okay," Rafael nodded, then discussed other matters with Jacob before returning to his room.

Carissa had just returned from visiting Leona when Rafael told her of Jacob's request.

"Jacob has a sister who went missing years ago? But if he sent Claire to contact Winona, why didn't he just contact Kyle directly?" she asked, surprised.

"Jacob draws a clear line," Rafael replied. "Asking Claire to contact Winona is work-related; contacting Kyle is personal. He still prefers an intermediary."

Carissa understood. "Alright. I'll write and ask, but I'm not sure if Kyle is at Meadow Ridge. He's always traveling."

Rafael smiled. "He should be there now. Sage Everett just returned after being away, so they're probably reorganizing. I doubt anyone will leave Meadow Ridge for the next few months."

For some reason, mentioning her martial uncle always made Carissa anxious. Her respect for him was deeply ingrained.

"Luckily, I'm married and away from Meadow Ridge," she joked, laughing lightly.

"And you married his beloved apprentice," Rafael said proudly, kissing her forehead. "You'll be treated well and forgiven easily."

Carissa said, "Sage Everett is very protective."

Rafael tried to wipe ink smudges from his hands but couldn't. He called for water.

"It's not 'a little'; he's very protective," the prince commented.

Carissa hesitated, then added, "But Sage Adrian is even more protective."

Rafael's eyes sparkled. "True. When we rescued the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, Sage Everett told me not to offend you. If you complained to your guild, he couldn't withstand their wrath."

"That's not right," Carissa disagreed. "Who isn't afraid of Sage Everett?"

Everyone in the Pathfinders Guild, including Adrian, feared Everett.

"Yes, they're afraid," Rafael replied, adopting a pitiful demeanor. "But a cornered beast bites. You're everyone's favorite. If you complain, they'll rise up against my mentor if he protects me. Even though we're from the same guild, your branch is large, mine is just me. It's hard not to be bullied."

Carissa's eyes filled with sympathy. She stood on tiptoe and playfully flicked his forehead. "So, you need to treat me better."

The moment she touched him, Rafael felt joy. Had this blockhead finally come to her senses? Then, pain followed. Nope. Still as dense as ever.

Rafael pulled her into his arms, sitting down and wrapping his arms around her waist. "How's Leona doing?"

Carissa shifted closer, feeling awkward being so intimate during the day. "She's doing okay. Her complexion isn't as pale, but her mood is terrible. She keeps crying when she's sure no one's around."

"Losing the baby is heartbreaking," Rafael reassured. "She needs time. It'll pass."

"I've brought the water, Your Highness!" Lulu called, entering with a basin.

Carissa stiffened. "Uh… Put it down there."

Lulu obeyed. After a moment, she tugged Carissa's arm.

"My lady," Lulu said, using a more familiar tone, "come here. I need to speak with you."

Carissa followed her outside, to a shady tree.

"My lady," Lulu said, hands on hips, "the prince wants to treat you better. Why resist him?"

"I'm not," Carissa replied exasperatedly. "Is that all?"

"When I entered, His Highness was holding you," Lulu said. "But you jumped when you saw me. Why?"

"It's not dark yet."

"So what?" Lulu pouted. "Do you feel guilty about being close to His Highness? Must you wait until dark? You weren't this resistant before. Don't push him away because of Lady Leona and Mr. Langley."