Rafael leaned back against the soft cushions, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from his body.

Ever since returning from the Southern Frontier and relinquishing his command, Salvador continued to regard him with suspicion. Rafael could choose not to care. If some things were restricted, he would find other ways to achieve his goals.

He held back to avoid further widening the gap between him and his brother. It wasn't until the

negotiations with Westhaven that he became more proactive. But even after that, he knew when to step back again.

Rafael only hoped that if war did come, Salvador might doubt him less.

"He knows that Sandoria's return this time is likely tied to traitors within the Southern Frontier who've helped them prepare for this attack. Yet, he still believes that I am more of a threat to him than Sandoria's armies at our doorstep," said Rafael, laughing bitterly as he drained the last of his wine.

Carissa's gaze darkened. "This isn't the first time he's done this."

Rafael pulled her into his embrace, his fingers gently combing through her hair as he remembered the last time such a thing had happened. How suffocating that situation had felt.

As he sat here alone tonight, drinking to dull the ache, he found himself repeatedly mulling over the same question would he be condemned to live in this suffocating situation forever?

"I won't let the same tragedy repeat itself," Rafael said, pulling away from Carissa slightly and fixing her with a cold, determined stare. "I should learn from you."

He thought back to the time when Carissa had entered the palace with critical intelligence, only to be rejected by Salvador. Rather than waiting idly or stepping aside, she had single-handedly gone to the Southern Frontier to find Rafael. At that moment, she had placed her life in jeopardy, disregarding the

consequences.

Their hearts were in sync, and Carissa understood his meaning instantly.

She nodded firmly. "I support you. Go ahead. If His Majesty remains silent, I will stay here in the capital. But if he moves against you, I'll scatter the people in Hell Monarch Estate and help them escape."

A sense of clarity washed over her as she spoke, a plan forming in her mind. She had always been the

one to hesitate, the one unsure of the consequences. But now that she had voiced her support, she would be his strongest pillar. With that, he no longer needed to fear any consequences.

"Tomorrow, go to Arcane Sanctum and ask Sebastian if there's any medicine that might cause a change in pulse after consumption. If so, I'll take it, and then you can immediately call for a royal physician," Rafael instructed.

"Got it," Carissa said, nodding firmly.

Rafael's large hand gently cupped her cheek, his rough fingers brushing over her lips. "I won't let the same tragedy repeat itself."

Carissa's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Good!"

The past most likely still haunted him.

But things were different back then. At that time, the Hell Monarch Army wasn't at the Southern Frontier. If Rafael wanted to lead them there, it couldn't be done without anyone noticing, and it wasn't a matter that involved just him, it also involved 100,000 soldiers from the Hell Monarch Army.

Right now, he could pretend to be sick and buy some time. Even if Salvador wanted to punish him when

he arrived at the Southern Frontier, it would have to wait until he returned victorious.

If the punishment that awaited him was death, Carissa would face it with him.

The following day, she made her way to Arcane Sanctum herself. As soon as Sebastian heard her question, he knew exactly what she intended.

"This is too dangerous. It's not worth it," he commented as he led her into the back room, his expression somber.

"It's worth it," Carissa replied with fierce conviction, her eyes shining. "For the Southern Frontier, it's worth it."

Sebastian sighed. "The consequences are too severe. Even if Prince Rafael returns victorious and isn't punished, His Majesty will find a way to get rid of him."

"I know," she replied quietly. "He doesn't have an official edict and he's not a marshal, but he can still take the lead. That, alone, is a threat to the king. His Majesty won't kill him outright, but he'll make sure he is removed, one way or another."

"Then, why let him go? What about the dukedom? What about Ryan?" Sebastian asked, his voice tight with frustration.

"I'll make sure Ryan is taken care of." Carissa took a deep breath. "There's nothing really left of the duke's household anyway."

"Ryan isn't the only one left of the Sinclair family," Sebastian reminded.

"His Majesty won't hold it against them. As long as he acknowledges the contributions of my dad and brothers, he won't touch the Sinclair family. Ryan might not even be in danger."

Sebastian shook his head. "The king's heart is unpredictable. I can't let you two take such a risk. Why should you? Time and again, he's willing to throw away his own throne, and yet you expect others to risk their necks for him?"

"We're not doing this for his throne," Carissa said, shaking Sebastian's arm gently. "Help us just this once. I believe my dad would support this decision if he were still alive."

Sebastian fell silent for a long moment, clearly weighing her words. He thought about his late friend's character and whether Hector would have supported this choice.

The answer came swiftly: he would have, without a doubt. He had never concerned himself with the

question of what was 'worth it' or not. As a soldier, his duty was to protect the kingdom, even at the cost of his life.noveldrama