Carissa had known for some time that Barrett had lost an arm while saving Wyatt. Cindy had mentioned it in a letter-not intentionally, but while talking about the Sullivan family''s situation and the battle, it came up briefly.


    When Carissa read it, she didn''t dwell on the matter, nor did she mention it in her reply.


    In the chaos of war, it was often impossible to distinguish who saved whom.


    She naturally wished for every soldier to return home whole and unharmed, but war was brutal and unrelenting. Blood and sacrifice were inevitable.


    While Carissa had acknowledged Barrett''s actions, Salvador had only recently learned of them. Thetest victory report from Victory Pass detailed Barrett''s courageous efforts how he had fought valiantly, saved lives, and lost an arm in the process.


    The earlier reports that came back on horseback had contained only critical updates on the battle''s progress, with no mention of individual achievements. Only the detailed victory reports included a list ofmendations.


    Salvador was pleased by the news and took the opportunity tomend Barrett''s valor during a military council meeting. It almost seemed as though he was proving to the court, and perhaps to himself, that promoting Barrett had been the right decision.


    Then, as if worried that praising him might upset Carissa, Salvador deliberately kept her back after the meeting and said, "People need to look forward. The grudges between you and him should be let go. Holding onto them will only make you suffer."


    Carissa nodded politely. "Yes, Your Majesty."


    She said no more.


    Thinking she still harbored resentment, Salvador smiled and added, "If you''re still angry, I won''t recognize his contributions. I''ll keep him at Victory Pass for another ten years or so. That should suffice as punishment."


    Carissa blinked, startled by his suggestion.


    First of all, personal grievances had no ce in matters of military merit. If Barrett had earned recognition, he deserved to be rewarded. If he hadmitted a mistake, he should be dealt with ording to the rules.


    Secondly, was being stationed at Victory Pass truly a punishment? The Sullivan family had guarded Victory Pass for years. Would that be considered a punishment as well?


    The remark left her with more questions than answers.


    What puzzled her even more was Salvador''s recent behavior. He had taken to keeping her behind after council meetings, often to discuss things that didn''t seem urgent. Sometimes, when his concubines sent soups or refreshments, he would insist on sharing them with Carissa, leaving her feeling awkward and uncertain.


    "Why are you looking at me like that? Still not satisfied?" Salvador asked with a smile.


    Carissa quickly replied, "Not at all, Your Majesty. I didn''t mean that. The past between me and Sentry Warren is long gone. As for rewarding military officers for their merits or assigning their posts, it''s not something I can interfere with, nor should any rules be broken because of me."


    Salvador chuckled, pointing at her in mock reprimand.


    "You''ve grown quite sensible, haven''t you?" he said, a fondness in his voice, almost like an elder sibling.


    The words tugged at a long-buried


    memory. Before Carissa had gone to Meadow Ridge, Salvador would oftene to discuss strategies and battle tactics with her second brother, Nathan. Whenever they crossed paths, he had always spoken to her in this same tone.


    Because Nathan spoke to her that way, Salvador had picked it up, treating her like a little sister as well. Back then, she had grown ustomed to such familiarity. But now, hearing it again after all these years left her feeling uneasy.


    It was as if nothing had changed over the years, as if he was still the crown prince and she was still that carefree young girl.


    But the truth was, everything had changed. Too muchy between them now-doubts, suspicions, caution, and wariness toward her and her husband.


    Carissa couldn''t shake the feeling that Salvador''s recent behavior had been oddly inconsistent. Of course, as his subject, she couldn''t use him of being capricious. All she could do was respond with a polite smile and endure it.


    "Tell me more about Meadow Ridge," Salvador said suddenly, as though struck by interest. He motioned for Derek to bring refreshments.


    Carissa''s shoulders stiffened slightly. Again? Hadn''t she already recounted details about Meadow Ridge just the day before? Was he trying to probe for something? Did he suspect Adrian?


    "What would you like to know, Your Majesty?" she asked.


    Salvador thought for a moment


    before replying, "Two days ago, you told me about Kyle. Yesterday, it was the tale of how you and Violet


    became friends after a scul


    Today, why don''t you tell me a your other senior guild member, Winona Preston?"


    "Winona?"


    Carissa''s heart tensed immediately.


    Winona had founded Skywing Spire, which specialized in gathering intelligence. During wartime, its


    members often served as scouts. Much of the intelligence Carissa received on the battlefield came through Skywing Spire.


    Could it be that the king truly suspected Meadow Ridge?


    "Yes, Winona. I hear she''s the founder of Skywing Spire," Salvador said, smiling warmly.


    His expression was seemingly free of ulterior motives. Instead, he seemed like he genuinely admired Winona and wanted to hear more about her.


    Carissa forced herself to remain


    calm as she exined, "Actually, Skywing Spire was originally my martial uncle''s idea. He entrusted


    Winona to manage it. Sage Everet


    has a knack for business and thought information could be profitable. But he soon realized that gathering intelligence wasn''t as easy as he''d imagined. Instead of earning money, he found himself spending it. He''s considering disbanding the faction now."


    Salvador had been genuinely intrigued, but when he heard her quickly exin that Skywing Spire was about to disband, he paused, slightly stunned.


    Realizing something, he gave her a long, thoughtful look before saying, "Alright, that''s enough for today. You may leave."


    Carissa immediately bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. I''ll take my leave."