Salvador seemed much more clear-headed now, no longer as muddled as he had been in the palace. He smiled. "There's no need for formality. Please relax. I only came here to the estate to see Mr. Spencer and have a chat. I was feeling a bit restless."

Carissa replied, "In that case, I won't keep you from your conversation with Kyle. We shall take our leave." "Don't rush off," Salvador said, his gaze turning toward her with genuine concern. "Since you're here, stay and talk for a while. How is your injury? Are you feeling better?"

Carissa lowered her hand again, which she had just propped up, and answered, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It's getting better, but the physician insisted I rest in bed for a few more days." "I see." Salvador nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Injuries to the muscles and bones need proper care."

He said this, but he didn't allow Carissa to leave. Everyone in the room stayed, either sitting or standing, and kept them company.

After a moment of silence, Salvador spoke first. "Is there any supper? I'm feeling hungry."

Hearing this, Derek quickly said, "His Majesty didn't have dinner. I'll make arrangements right away." Everyone immediately became more lively, asking Salvador what he wanted to eat. However, Salvador simply asked what was available.

"Your Majesty, you may have whatever you wish. If we don't have it here, we can have someone bring it from the Glimmering Tower," Kyle answered.

Salvador thought for a moment before replying, "No need to go to all that trouble. Just make me a bowl of noodles."

Lily herself took to the kitchen, preparing a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup with shredded meat, fresh parsley, leeks, and a poached egg. The fragrant bowl of noodles was soon placed before Salvador. Salvador had only intended to break the silence, not really hungry at first. But as the smell of the fresh parsley and leeks reached him, his appetite stirred. He finished the whole bowl, drinking most of the broth too. Then, he leaned back, clearly satisfied.

"These noodles are quite good. A reward is in order."

Lily was overjoyed and eagerly accepted her reward. After all, when the king bestowed a gift, how could a servant not be delighted?

Salvador was generous as always and handed her a silver ingot. Lily thanked him profusely before leaving in high spirits.

Afterward, Salvador made another request. "I'd like to see Mr. Spencer paint."

Jacob knew it wouldn't be

appropriate to invite Salvador to the study. There were things in there

that would be better left unseen net

Instead, he had a writing desk set up with the usual tools-brushes, ink, and paints.

Kyle stood beside the desk, rolling up his sleeves. "What would you like painted, Your Majesty?" Salvador sat upright and replied, "Myself."

Kyle paused for a moment, taken aback. "You wish for a portrait? Why not wait for a sunny day and ask one of the royal artists to do it?"

It was a big deal, after all-choosing a favorable day, wearing formal robes or a crown, sitting on the royal throne, or even posing together with Kylie for the painting.

But to casually show up at a subject's home late at night, sitting in their chair and having a portrait done? That was unheard of.

"This is fine. Let's begin." Salvador adjusted his tunic and gave a small nod. "It doesn't need to be too formal. Just paint me as I am right now-no need for any extra embellishments."

Salvador's gaze shifted to Carissa's face, his eyes softening without him even realizing it. His lips, which had been pressed tight, now curved slightly.

Carissa felt his gaze and lowered her eyes, avoiding his stare.

She almost spoke again, ready to suggest her departure, but Salvador had been watching her intently. Before she could say a word, he spoke first.

"Commander Sinclair, don't speak. Just stay there and watch."

Carissa swallowed her words, nodding quietly in acknowledgment.

She turned her attention to Kyle,

watching as his brush moved swiftly

and skillfully, drawing a series of

lines that gradually took shape. Then, he connected the lines, adding detail or leaving gaps. Soon, the outline of a face that strongly

résembled Salvador emerged.

The room was eerily silent, with nothing but the sound of controlled breathing from everyone present.

Violet usually couldn't stand such a

dull scene, but she stayed, sitting on

the small table in front of Carissa.

She leaned against Carissa, occasionally adjusting the thin

blanket on the latter's lap.

Carissa fixed Violet's hairpin, making sure it was in place. Then, she gently supported Violet's shoulder as she adjusted the latter's posture.

Salvador watched the little details of their interaction, his gaze softening and growing distant. He suddenly said, "It's nice to have friends."

His unexpected words surprised everyone in the room. However, Kyle remained focused, his brush

moving swiftly across the paper.noveldrama

Once Kyle was in his zone, no one could disturb him except for Everett.