Chapter 88
Itio glanced at Carissa, his gaze shifting toward the villagers lined up for food. His brows furrowed as he observed them murmuring Fiona’s name with gratitude. Many were also offering praises to Prince Elijah, as though he were their savior.
“Are you certain this is going to be alright?” Rio asked, watching Carissa as she moved from one villager to the next, distributing supplies.
Carissa turned to him, a soft smile on her lips as she handed a bundle of herbs to an elderly woman. “That’s just how it is,” she replied calmly. though a faint spark of frustration flickered in her eyes,
Rio shook his head, watching the crowd. “It doesn’t seem fair, Lady Carissa. Every single supply here came from the Calyrre family. The least Lady Fiona could do is acknowledge it–maybe even announce it to everyone. But she’s said nothing. Not a word”
A nearby friend of Carissa’s, who had been silently listening, stepped forward, her arms crossed. “He’s right, Lady Carissa. It really isn’t fair. You and your family have provided everything, yet she’s the one receiving all the gratitude.”
Carissa glanced toward Fiona, who was examining a small child nearby. Fiona appeared focused, her hands moving gently as she checked the child’s arms for signs of infection. Elijah stood beside her, alert and watchful, as if standing guard.
Carissa’s fingers tightened around the herb pouch she held. She released her grip slowly, keeping her face neutral “Lady Fiona is the one detecting the poison and healing the villagers,” she said lightly, though her gaze lingered on Fiona with an intensity she didn’t let show.
Rio sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Still, it doesn’t sit right with me. You should at least get.
1 some credit for the supplies, Lady Carissa. They wouldn’t have anything if it weren’t for you.”
Carissa nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched Fiona move to another patient. “Perhaps,” she replied, her voice steady as she handed another parcel to a young mother. “But people see what they want to see, don’t they?”
Rio shifted closer to her, his gaze fixated on Fiona and Elijah. “Look at them” he muttered. “It’s as if he’s protecting her like she’s some rare treasure. She hardly even acknowledges you or the work you’re doing here.”
Carissa gave a small shrug, forcing a serene expression. “It’s her healing skill that draws people to her. They believe she’s helping in ways they don’t understand.” She glanced at her friend, who was still watching Fiona with a critical eye. “But we know what’s truly going on Lady Fiona might be useful now, but this entire effort is backed by the Calyrre family. That can’t be hidden forever.”
Rio nodded, seeming to relax a little. “I know. I just wish the people could see that, too.”
One of the villagers approached them, bowing slightly as he accepted a bundle of food from Carissa. Thank you, Lady Carissa,” he said sincerely. “We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done.”
Carissa smiled, her hand resting briefly on the villager’s shoulder. “Please, take care of your family,” she replied warmly, watching as he walked away. Once he was out of earshot, her smile faded. Her gaze drifted back to Fiona, her eyes calculating
Cara had arrived thinking this would be simple. But she’d been wrong. If Fiona had only acknowledged her presence, she might have had a chance to sway people’s opinions. Yet, after their brief initial interaction, Fiona hadn’t looked her way–not a single glance. Fiona’s influence was already growing, and Carissa knew she had to act. But with Elijah constantly by Fiona’s side, every opportunity felt impossible to grasp
As if on cur, Elijah looked at her way and for a few minutes, their eyes met. Carissa’s breath hitch. For some reason, she could feel daggers from Elijali’s eyes. Does he know what she was thinking? She quickly looked away to steady herself.
Then Cansu forced a polite smile, excusing herself from Rio and her friend, and made her way to the makeshift infirmary. As she walked, her fingers tapped rhythmically against her herb pouch. Fiona’s influence was spreading faster than expected, drawing admiration that Carissa had hoped would be hers. And with Elijah constantly at Fiona’s side, every subtle move seemed under scrutiny. She needed a new approach–and fast
Meanwhile, Finnas frown deepened as she inspected the villagers gathered in the camp With each examination, her concern grew. She turned to Elijah, glancing around 10–enisure no one could overhear them.
self up. “Are all
“Your Highness,” she began, motioning toward the crowd. She was currently taking a small break to drink some water and warm herself these people related to palace soldierst‘
Elijalo nodded, his gaze shifting over the villagers. “Yes. Most of them are family members of the soldiers. Many of these soldiers came from other packi Swine were even former rogues.
Fatatan besked at him in surprise “Rogues?”
“The previous king decided to give them a chance,” Elijali explained. “He offered them a place within the palace guard and allowed them to bring their faules (ver the years, this camp gre inin a village
1/2
she absorbed this information. “Do diey have access to the outside world?” she askest.
11:31 AM
Chapter 88
Elush besitated for a moment before nodding. “They do, but it’s restricted. To leave, they have to pass through a series of checks and gain special permissions. It ismit raw”
Fiona tapped her fingers against her arm, her gaze drifting back to the villagers “If the Lycans managed to bring rogue werewolves into the palace during the last attack,” she muttered. Then they must have found a way to bypass those restrictions, Or worse they may have someone on the
Elijah’s eyes narrowed as he followed her line of thought. Slowly, he nodded, his jaw tightening. “If you’re right, then someone here could be feeding information back to the Lycams”
Fiona met his gaze, the weight of their realization settling between them “Whatever we’re doing here,” she said carefully. “It won’t stay hidden for long
Elijah’s expression grew somber as he scanned the camp, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his weapon. His gaze returned to Fiona’s, and for a long moment, their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. Slowly, he nodded, as if reading the very thoughts she hadn’t spoken aloud.
“Let’s hope they reveal themselves soon. Elijah murmured.
Their conversation was interrupted by a voice nearby. “Your Highness… forgive the intrusion, but may I speak with you? In private?” They turned to see Rio standing a short distance away. Elijah glanced at Fiona, who gave a slight nod, and he stepped aside with Rio. “What’s the matter?” Elijah asked quietly, his gaze steady on Rio,
Rin frowned. I know this isn’t the time for this but Lady Carissa just injured herself while helping in the infirmary. It–
“Do you think I am a healer. Ruo?” Elijah asked.
Rao hesitated. “The only reason why Lady Carissa came is because she wanted to help you.
“And here I thought she wanted to help the others, Elijah calmly said. “But I will take note of what you told me today”
“Your highness no Elijah Rio said, his expression grew tense. He quickly glanced down, collecting his thoughts before meeting Elijah’s gaze
“Elijah you’ve changed so much. Can’t you see Lady Carissa is suffering too?” Rio pressed, searching Elijah’s face. “She’s here, offering all this help. Dorin‘ I that mein something to you We grow up together, your highness and Carissa has been waiting for you. I know this isn’t your priority right now, but the least that you can do is make sure that she is fine
- you are
Hleave Lady Fiona’s side to make sure that Lady Carissa is fine?” Elijah asked. Rio opened his mouth but said nothing. Almost immediately, Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “And why should I be concerned with Carissa’s suffering?” he replied, his gaze sharp. “What exactly.
our relationship, kas? Irli mar–what connection of mine would make her pain any of my business?”
ko faltered, his mouth opening as if to answer, but he had no words. He looked away, clearly at a loss
Our of sombere. Figali’s face twisted in alarm. He turned quickly, his eyes locking onto a soldier barreling toward Frora, weapon in hand. Before Anyone noul
jah sprang forward, crossing the distance in a flash. He wrapped his arms around Fiona, pulling her close as he planted a
powerful ku
The wldey few backward, bang the ground hard. Elijah kept Fiona shielded, his arm still around her, scanning for any other th Haartrani rajojaled thatough, the crowd
threats as shocked
kerryttange har kapjerved surkly that the odiers remained frozen for a moment, processing what they’ll just seen. Finally, the guards rushed
her, while I tijah released his gripe on Fitta, his eyes never leaving the subdued soldier.
Mara stoneel, aluated looking
ly turned back to Rio. “I anyone else doubts where my
