Chapter 865
The next day, the young couple, Rafael and Carissa, set out. Rafael pretended to ask Violet if she wanted to join them, but Violet shot him a puzzled glance. He had already told her last night that he was taking Carissa out for the day, alone, leaving everyone else—even Dylan—behind. Wasn't it rather disingenuous to ask her now?
Even if Rafael hadn't mentioned it, Violet wouldn't have gone. She was busy overseeing her embroidery workshop, still under renovation. It made sense for her to stay and monitor progress. Besides, if her supervision wasn't needed, she could always join Helen for coffee, shopping, and dining. After all, there were lovely places like the Glimmering Tower and the Golden Tower to explore. Why venture out into the cold mountain wind when there was so much to enjoy closer to home?
At the Glimmering Tower, Rafael ordered a selection of simple dishes. Glimmering Tower, however, had a knack for elevating even the simplest meals to perfection. Anticipating their upcoming mountain climb and the chilly weather, he also ordered a bottle of mulled wine. Their cozy private room was warmed by a charcoal fire.
Carissa let her husband take charge. He made all the decisions that day, while she simply admired his handsome appearance. His white fox fur coat was draped over a nearby rack; he wore a blue brocade coat adorned with cloud and wave patterns. The coat's narrow sleeves and high collar framed his face beautifully. His skin, having lost its sun-kissed hue, appeared much fairer, giving him an elegant, scholarly air. Only the sharpness of his dashing brows hinted at his military background.
Suddenly, Carissa recalled seeing him for the first time on the battlefield—a wild man with an unkempt beard. During strategy meetings, she often found herself staring at it, wondering if the ends would split when it grew long enough.
A laugh escaped her lips. "I really can't understand how the man you are now is the same one I knew at the Southern Frontier."
"I looked better back then," Rafael replied, a grin tugging at his lips. "A man needs that kind of grit to command presence."
"You looked fine then, and you look fine now," Carissa said, reaching out to stroke his face. Her fingers glided over his skin, no longer rough and rugged.
Rafael gazed at his wife, surprised by her rare display of affection. Feeling the warmth of her palm against his cheek, his heart swelled.
It was clear that spending time alone together was necessary for their relationship. Lately, they had both been so busy. When Carissa returned home, she practically collapsed into bed. Even if Rafael had wanted to do something for her, he wouldn't have dared disturb her rest.
He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on her face. The fragrance of her clothes mingled with his, both carrying a light, deep-water scent. Though he had the same scent, hers intoxicated him, making his heart flutter.
After finishing their meal, the couple set off toward the mountains. Some snow remained at the base, but it wasn't deep. The path was easy to navigate, allowing the horses to travel well.
Not long into their journey, however, the trail deteriorated. The biting wind stung their cheeks as the weather worsened. Rafael began to doubt his decision. Was this outing really a good idea?
But they had already come so far, and Thomas had raved about the breathtaking scenery. With the added snow, the mountain views would be even more stunning. His spirits lifted, and he said, "Let's tie up the horses here and walk the rest of the way. If you can't keep up, I'll carry you."
"I can walk just fine," Carissa replied.
She felt confident tying the horses there. Given the weather, it was unlikely anyone else would be heading up the mountain. Even if someone did, Lightning and Rafael's horse, Skyhawk, weren't easily stolen.
Once they secured the horses, they took each other's hands and ventured up the mountain. The trail was challenging—narrow, covered in thick snow, and obstructed by many dry, thorny vines. Several times, thorns snagged Carissa's clothing, prompting Rafael to awkwardly explain, "This mountain doesn't see many visitors, so the paths aren't well-kept. But trust me, once we get higher, the views will be worth it."
"Of course, I trust you," Carissa replied with a smile, her cheeks flushed from the cold.