When fate plays its hand

In truth, Rafael had always found the Adrian that Carissa spoke of to be somewhat unfamiliar. In the prince’s eyes, Adrian’s actions were measured, neither overly serious nor overly indulgent, but with a certain degree of protection toward his apprentices.

And when Carissa described Everett, he was a man of erratic moods, quick to punish without warning, and seemingly feared by everyone.

Dominic watched them with a curious expression. “So, is he interesting? Or not?”

Carissa groaned. “Raf is Sage Everett’s direct apprentice, so of course Sage Everett is good to him. It’s no surprise he thinks his mentor is interesting. But Sage Everett is only kind to him. With the rest of us? We get nothing but harsh punishments. Even my senior apprentice, who’s calm and steady, he sees as too frivolous.

Dominic gasped in surprise. “Wait, so you two are fellow apprentices?”

Carissa corrected quickly. “He joined later than I did, so he’s my junior apprentice.”

“So, how does this junior apprentice treat his senior apprentice?” Dominic asked playfully.

Carissa’s cheeks turned a soft pink. “Very well!”

Dominic gave Rafael a knowing look. Sometimes, a man didn’t need to say much–the way he looked at someone was enough to show how much he cared.

Back at Victory Pass, Dominic had worried in silence. When Carissa remarried, would the Hell Monarch ever feel any disdain toward her? He had never quite understood Rafael’s true intentions in marrying her. Was there some sort of conspiracy or hidden plot behind it all?

When Dominic exchanged letters with Rafael, there was very little mention of his relationship with Carissa. Most

the letters focused on matters of Fawnrun City, leaving Dominic with even more questions.

After all, as a prince and a man of great accomplishment, didn’t he have a wide range of choices for a wife? Even if Salvador feared Rafael’s military success and disapproved of him marrying into a noble family, the options available to him were endless.

Dominic had once considered the possibility of love being the reason behind the marriage. Even then, it was a fleeting thought. If he truly believed that, he would have lost his vigilance. That would only have harmed Carissa.

Now, however, Dominic saw it clearly. He knew exactly what it looked like when a man had feelings for a woman; he had seen it in Hector’s eyes when he looked at Melanie, and in the way his sons looked at their wives.

He listened as Carissa continued talking. In truth, Dominic already knew most of the things she was saying about Meadow Ridge, including the personalities of Adrian and Everett. How could he not? His precious granddaughter had been sent to Meadow Ridge when she was just a little girl. Of course, he would investigate everything thoroughly.

Two hours later, Carissa let Rafael lead her away with obvious reluctance. Just before they left, she suddenly turned around, her eyes glistening with tears.

“I’ll bring Ryan here in a couple of days,” she said.

Dominic smiled through the ache in his heart. “Good. Go on, now. I should get some rest.”

At the gates of Hell Monarch Estate, Kyle was waiting with Violet and Travis. He noticed Carissa’s red–rimmed eyes and knew that she had been crying.

Violet stepped forward, linking arms with Carissa. “I made some dessert. Let’s have something sweet.”

Rafael didn’t seem upset about Violet openly stealing Carissa away. He understood. Sometimes, when one was feeling down, being with closest friends helped to relax more than anything else. Besides, Violet had made dessert personally. What could he say?

Inside the side hall, Carissa ate the dessert slowly, finishing a bowl in no time.

“Is it good?” Violet asked.

Carissa put down the bowl. “It’s a bit salty, but the spice is just right. It masks the sweetness a little.‘

“Salty? It tastes just fine to me. Life’s like that, you know? You need a little bit of everything–sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty–to really savor it,” said Violet, her comforting words coming with her signature lightheartedness. Carissa smiled faintly, her eyes still red and puffy. “Vivi, I’m fine, really.”

“I know you’re fine.” Violet nodded. “Do you remember the sparring match we had at Blue Stone Spring?” NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

“Of course. You lost to me three times.”

“We only sparred three rounds,” Violet said, propping her chin in her hand. “The first time, I went wild. The second time, I screamed, and the third time I cried. You mocked me for being weak and unable to accept reality. You were so cocky back then.”

Violet let out a small laugh. “I remember thinking, ‘Just wait until you face defeat. Let’s see if you cry, or completely lose it like I did‘.”