Chapter 919

Dominic stood and helped Carissa straighten up, gently rubbing her head as he used to when she was a child. As a child, she would run to him whenever she was upset. She had been a small, delicate thing, unable to bear feeling wronged. Anyone who dared to scold or speak ill of her would face her complaints the moment her grandfather returned to the capital.

After venting her frustrations, she would hide in his arms, appearing submissive and innocent. Yet, her eyes gleamed with mischievous satisfaction.

Tears streamed down Carissa's face, falling in a steady cascade. Dominic wiped them away with his rough fingers, swallowing the sorrow in his throat. His voice trembled as he said, "Who's been bullying our little Cari this time? But you don't need me to teach them a lesson, do you? You can handle it yourself."

His words, full of pain and pride, ached Carissa's heart. She hurriedly wiped her eyes. She wasn't here to cry, let alone show weakness to her grandfather. Through her blurred vision, she saw the familiar, doting look in his eyes, which only made her more aware of his age.

She had endured much, but Dominic had experienced even more: the heartbreak over the Sinclair family, the loss of his third son's arm, the death of his seventh son, and his own near-fatal arrow wound. Yet, he had endured with resilience, his back remaining straight. While others admired this, Carissa felt only a deep ache in her heart. Finally, after much coaxing, Rafael calmed them enough to talk properly.

Carissa didn't dare ask about her uncles and aunts, fearing it would remind her grandfather of his seventh son's death. She was cautious, careful not to stir old wounds. Sensing her hesitation, Dominic spoke: "Your third aunt will be arriving in a few days. She insists on seeing you."

He said no more, unwilling to reopen old wounds. Carissa's face softened with concern. "The journey is long and harsh. Why didn't you stop her, Grandpa?"

Dominic's voice was tender. "She misses you. She wanted to come sooner but didn't dare. Now, she's decided to come anyway. Let her see you and Ryan."

"It's been hard on her," Carissa said, holding back tears. "I planned to bring Ryan tonight, but he's at the academy. I was in such a rush I didn't pick him up."

In truth, Carissa had purposely left Ryan behind and hadn't told Salvador of her visit. It was a private matter, though she would report it later. In a few days, she would formally request the Queen Dowager's permission for Ryan to meet his great-grandfather, providing a reason for another visit. She could always visit privately, but a legitimate excuse—perhaps bringing Sebastian to check on Dominic's health, delivering tonics and essentials, and sharing a meal—would be better.

It had been so long since they had eaten together as a family. Carissa's father had said sharing meals was one of life's most important things.

When Ryan was mentioned, Dominic's heart ached. He knew Rafael had found the boy, and that deserved a proper thank you. He rose and bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness, for bringing Ryan back to the Sinclair family."

Rafael stood and returned the gesture. "Grandfather, there's no need—we're all family."

Rafael's use of "grandfather" was natural, as if rehearsed. Dominic sighed. "This time, I've troubled you both. I hope the two kingdoms avoid war."

"Don't worry, Grandfather," Rafael said quietly. "We're working towards that goal. The Sinclair family was destroyed, and while the captured spy confessed to a grudge stemming from my late father-in-law's victory at Westhaven—a thousand men defeating a hundred thousand—it's an old grudge. It happened years ago and doesn't justify the massacre. The Sinclair tragedy is rooted in Fawnrun City, and soon, everyone will know the truth."

They had discussed this in letters. Dominic added, "It's a pity. There's no concrete evidence, and even if there were, it would look like we massacred the village first."

"Revenge or not, it was retaliation. Then, the Westhaven soldiers went to the Southern Frontier—a second retaliation. Then, on the Southern Frontier, they captured Aurora and the soldiers who participated in the massacre—a third retaliation," Rafael said.