Her Majestic Battle Cry
Her Majestic Battle Cry 1193

Chapter 1193

Carissa had her own list of reminders for Rafael to be careful on the road, to stay alert, and most importantly, if he came across any “pretty flowers” along the way, to look but not bring

them back.

The hint of jealousy in her tone made Rafael’s heart soar with joy. As he swung himself onto his horse, he flashed a grin and swore his loyalty.

“I won’t even spare a glance,” he promised.

However, Travis looked puzzled for a moment, then asked, “What flowers could you possibly find on the road in the middle of winter? Even if there are any, they’re likely being well- tended by someone. How could anyone just pick them? You can look, but why wouldn’t you look?”

His confusion made both Jacob and Kyle chuckle

Violet snorted and teased, “Poor fool, stop talking! You’re completely missing the point. You’re talking about one thing when they’re talking about something completely different.” Travis scratched his chin, deep in thought. He still couldn’t understand it, even when Dylan called out for departure.

As soon as Rafael was on his horse, Helen turned and headed back into the house. The cold wind at the gate was unbearable, making her shiver. It was enough to see her son get on his horse. There was no need to stand there in the wind, especially since he wasn’t even looking back at her.

Jacob, Lily, and Carissa’s other attendants also followed Helen back in. Carissa and Violet remained, watching as the group rode slowly away.

Violet nudged Carissa’s shoulder lightly. “Are you going to miss him?”

“A little,” Carissa admitted, her gaze lingering until they were out of sight.

A wave of emptiness washed over her.

Though she and Rafael were both busy after their marriage, they had spent nearly every night together, and at least one moment of the day could always be theirs. Now, it would be two months stretched ahead with no chance of seeing him.

“Two months… feels so long,” she lamented with a sigh.

Violet tilted her head. “Long? It’s only two months, not two years.”

She wrapped an arm around Carissa’s shoulders as they walked back inside. “You should enjoy your freedom while it lasts. It’s rare to not have him around. Do what you want–I’m planning to take you out to eat, drink, and be merry.”

Oblivious to her friend’s mood, she continued, “heard from Isaac that there are a few nice

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Chapter 1193

places in the capital. I’ve always wanted to check them out, but with His Highness around, I didn’t think it was appropriate to ask you to come. Now’s the perfect time–he won’t be back for at least two months, so we have plenty of time to explore.”

“What restaurants are you talking about that wouldn’t be appropriate to visit when Raf is around? Are they better than Glimmering Tower?” Carissa waved her hand dismissively. Never mind, I’m not really in the mood to eat.”

“It’s not that!” Violet’s radiant face broke into a mysterious smile. “It’s a gentlemen’s retreat, a place with male courtesans. We’ll dress as men.

Carissa suddenly stopped in her tracks. “You’ve been there? Did Isaac take you? Where is he?”

Violet shook her head. “He didn’t take me, he just told me about it. Aren’t you curious about this place?”

“I’m not curious, and I don’t want to go,” Carissa replied sharply. “Why is Isaac telling you about such things?”

“To broaden my horizons. When we travel the world, we should learn as much as we can Violet said with a mischievous grin.

She couldn’t help but wonder if she was the only one intrigued. She had heard of a gentlemen’s retreat, a place for men, but it was full of men as well… The thought of men with men–wasn’t that enough to make Carissa curious?

Violet had heard of it, but had never seen it.

“Cari, it’s so unfair. Men can go to places like gentlemen’s retreats or entertainment parlors. There’s no place like that where women can go openly,” Violet said.

Carissa stood with her hands behind her back, her posture carrying an air of melancholy as she sighed.

“Who says it isn’t unfair?” She dropped her hands and straightened up, her tone serious.” Even if there were such places, I wouldn’t go. I’m married now. I have a husband.”

“I don’t have a husband,” Violet said, her voice gleaming with excitement. “I could go and have some fun.”

Carissa assumed her friend was joking, but little did she know, Violet wasn’t just playing around. That very night, she insisted Isaac accompany her to a gentlemen’s retreat.

When Violet returned, she rushed into Carissa’s room, still in her men’s clothes, her entire body smelling of alcohol. The stench was enough to make Carissa want to throw her out immediately.

But Violet grabbed Carissa’s shoulder, swaying unsteadily as she spoke with a serious expression, saying, “Do you know who I saw there? You’ll never guess. If you can guess, I’ll make Isaar do something ridiculous.”