NovelEnglishChapter 244 Once the boy had fallen into a deep sleep, Carissa went to find Rafael and showed him the note Ryan had written.
The prince's expression was complex as he read the note. Did he resemble those thugs who had beaten Ryan? Perhaps so. After years on the battlefield, he had developed a certain harshness.
Rafael sighed deeply. "We'll take it slow. I'll try to be more gentle.and smile at him. more often." Ryan needed healing, both physically and emotionally.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"You've worked hard throughout this journey," Carissa said.
Her gratitude towards Rafael was beyond mere words. However, there was something she needed to clarify.
She removed a hairpin from her hair and used it to adjust the wick of a lantern. The small flflickered, casting a warm light over her gaunt face and pale lips.
She spoke softly, "Given Ryan's condition, he'll needfor at least two or three more years. If our marriage is to proceed, I'll need to bring him to your estate with me. I can't leave him alone at Northwatch Estate." Rafael's handsface remained calm, his dark eyes reflecting the lantern's light with a reassuring gleam.
"Our marriage will proceed as planned. I agree that Ryan shouldn't be left alone at Northwatch Estate. He'll need to be with us, to be cared for, detoxified of the drug, and have his leg treated. Once he's better, he can continue his studies or go for martial arts training. Or if he doesn't want to do either, that's also fine. We can still take care of him. Regardless of what he chooses, I'll treat him as my own child." His words eased Carissa's worries. Considering everything that had happened, she realized that Rafael was genuinely dedicated to her. Even if their marriage lacked romance, they could at least maintain mutual respect.
However, she needed to find a way for Ryan to lower his defenses and accept Rafael. Otherwise, how would they coexist under the sroof in the future? * As a prince of royal blood, Rafael might tolerate Ryan's initial hostility once, twice, or even three times. But if it persisted, he would inevitably feel disheartened, especially with Helen also residing in the estate with them.
Ideally, Carissa wouldn't marry at this time, but the king's edict was unavoidable. Now more than ever, she refused to enter the palace as the king's concubine-not only would she be unable to care for Ryan, but even seeing him would be a challenge.
Seeing her deep in thought, Rafael said, "For now, you don't need to worry about anything else. Just focus on Ryan. Don't worry about how the people in my estate will treat him. As long as I'm here, no one will bully him." "Thank you, Your Highness," replied Carissa, feeling touched.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmRafael smiled. "You don't need to keep thanking me. Aren't you tired of saying that all the time? I know I am. Just get srest. We'll need to set out early tomorrow." "Alright, I'll head back now. I wouldn't want Ryan to wake up in the middle of the night and be anxious if he doesn't see me." Carissa stood, gave a slight bow, then left. Rafael didn't sleep. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he pondered how to dispel Ryan's wariness of him.
Over the past few days, Ryan had been genuinely frightened of him. Whenever they got out of the m carriage, the boy would first hide behind Carissa, not daring to even peek at Rafael. If the prince took a step closer, Ryan would tense up all over.
Rafael glanced at the paper on the table, his expression hardening. These traffickers, no matter how far they fled, would be hunted down. Rafael would avenge Ryan and the other children/they had harmed. The next day, the prince began to be much more amiable towards Ryan, even smiling occasionally. However, for sunknown reason, the child seemed even more fearful when Rafael smiled. After two days of this approach proving ineffective, Rafael changed his strategy. Instead of trying to befriend Ryan directly, he focused on being kind to Carissa.
He showed concern for her, made considerate gestures, and was attentive to her needs. At first, m Carissa was taken aback by his sudden gentleness and didn't know how to respond. But she quickly realized the purpose behind his behavior and began to reciprocate his kindness and warmth. Since Ryan was most attached to his aunt, treating her well would hopefully put the child at ease. However, after two days of this new approach, not only had Ryan's wariness of Rafael not diminished, but it seemed to have increased.
It was truly puzzling! X
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