Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Kyle tried tofort the fuming Carissa.


    "Sending Lady Helen and Ryan to the pce isn''t so bad, is it? If the rebels really manage to break in, the pce guards are the most formidable. They''d be safer there than if they stayed at the academy or here at the estate."


    Carissa drank down an entire jug of cold water, the chill in it only deepening her frustration.


    "I know. That''s why I agreed, but agreeing doesn''t mean I''m not angry. He''s not doing it to protect Mother and Ryan. He''s using them as hostages. He knows that with Mother and Ryan in the pce, I''ll have no choice but to protect it with my life, even if it means sacrificing everything.''


    If the rebels broke into the capital, the first thing they would do was surround Hell Monarch Estate, capturing anyone useful to control Dominic and Rafael.


    Carissa wasn''t unaware of this-she just hated the thought of Salvador''s motives. Besides, if Helen and Ryan weren''t in the pce, she could still find a safe ce for them.


    Salvador constantly talked about loyalty to the kingdom, but in his eyes, the kingdom only existed for him. He expected others to risk their lives for him while holding their families hostage. And no matter what they do, he was always suspicious of their motives and ambitions.


    It was tiresome.


    Kyle ruffled her hair, messing it up even more. "Come on, why are you getting so upset? Unless you don''t want to integrate the Mystic Army?"


    "He knows I have no choice," Carissa muttered, her frustration evident.


    Not integrating the Mystic Army wasn''t an option. Right now, they were scattered with different leaders in charge. If the rebels attacked the capital, they would be nothing more than a disorganized mob-hardly the elite force they needed.


    Kyle shrugged. "People with power want to control everything, even the hearts and minds of others. Just focus on what you need to do. Forget about the frustrations and the resentment for now. Once it''s all over, we''ll have all the time in the world to do whatever we want."


    "I still have to talk to Lord Klein." Carissa ran a hand through her hair, looking at Kyle with mock annoyance. "Kyle, you''ve messed up my hair again."


    "Hurry up and ask Lulu to help you fix your hair and wash your face. Get yourself tidied up you''ll feel much better," Kyle said, his eyes filled with affection.


    Carissa hurried inside, calling out, "Lulu! Lulu!"


    Kyleughed softly. Ever since Carissa was a child, she had hated when anyone touched her hair. She had so much of it that once it was disheveled, it looked like seaweed cascading over her shoulders. She used to say those were the "three thousand strands of worry". She insisted that no matter how big a problem was, she had to sort out her hair first.


    Meanwhile, Anthony had heard about Salvador''s decision to summon Ryan to the pce. He didn''t say much, but asked Carissa one thing-would Ryan be bullied in the pce?


    Carissa told Anthony that Ryan would be safe under Victoria''s care, and Helen would also be there to look after him. So, he wouldn''t suffer there.


    That was enough to put Anthony''s mind at ease, and he agreed.


    He knew his opinion didn''t matter, anyway. Even if he disagreed, Salvador could issue an edict, and he would have no choice but toply. Plus, if it came to that, Salvador might get annoyed and cause trouble for Ryan instead.


    So, he ended up reassuring Carissa instead. "It''s not a bad thing. The queen dowager is wise and well- versed in worldly matters. Ryan could learn a lot from her."


    "As long as you don''t hold it against me, Lord Klein..." Carissa''s voice was tight with concern.


    "How could I?" Anthony smiled gently, his eyes warm with understanding. "I know this decision was difficult for you, but you''ve made it for the greater good-and for Ryan. ?arissa, we''re family. Don''t feel the need to be so formal."


    Carissa had initially felt her heart cool when Salvador talked about them being family. When she heard Anthony say it, her feelings werepletely different. She felt warm inside.


    Yes, a real family was about mutual trust and support, not secretly doubting each other or trying to control the other to make them obedient.


    Helen wasn''t thrilled about going to the pce to apany Victoria. She had grown ustomed to thefortable, free life at Hell Monarch Estate. The pce, with its strict rules and formalities, was hard for her to adjust to now.


    But when she heard that Ryan would be going too, she agreed without hesitation. She immediately instructed Gillian to pack their things and start sending them to the pce.


    Carissa went to fetch Ryan and his study partner, Evan. Ryan was a sensible boy-he asked no questions and simply said he would follow his aunt''s arrangements. However, Evan was a bit more curious. He tugged at Carissa''s sleeve and asked if he could go the pce with Ryan.


    Ryan looked up at his aunt eagerly, and Carissa smiled as she gently ruffled their heads. "Alright, friends should study and y together."


    Both boys grinned, their faces lighting up with joy as they took each other''s hands and ran off to gather their things.