Two days later, Dylan and Rafael’s strategist, Jacob York, returned.
It was raining heavily earlier, so Jacob had changed into a fresh set of clothes before he hurried to the study to see Rafael.
Jacob was direct and to the point..
“The king’s intention is to strip you of your military command. Since you’re willing to relinquish it, then let it go. However, you mustn’t allow your marriage to be used as leverage.
“The king knows you once sought to marry Lady Sinclair. He wants. to
use her as compensation, to ease his own conscience. However, I bélieve it is unnecessary. Once you surrender your command, request him to retract his edict. Whether or not you marry Lady Sinclair should be a matter between you and her, not tainted by the royal family’s interference.
“If the king inserts himself into the matter, it will complicate things and turn it into something more than just a marriage. Both you and Lady Sinclair will be put in a very awkward position.”
Marriage should be purely about affection, not a matter of profits and interests. To marry for gain would be to betray the true feelings. involved.
Rafael’s brows furrowed deeply. “That was my thought as well. However, the Hell Monarch Army’s medal of command was given to me by the late king. He declared the Hell Monarch Army would forever be under my command to protect the realm. The entire court was aware of this.
“If I now relinquish the Hell Monarch Army’s medal, the king will surely feel the need to reward me handsomely to account for the late king’s wishes and the court’s expectations. At the very least, he needs to maintain his image. I worry he might grant a marriage as a
form of reward. To make it clear that it is a reward, he will likely Inform the officials that I sought to marry Carissa before my campaign.”
Jacob frowned in concern. “In that case, people might speculate Madam Sinclair would rather marry her daughter to General Warren. than wait for you to reclaim the Southern Frontier. Or they might think that Madam Warren doubted your ability to reclaim it. All sorts of speculation could arise.”
“That is precisely what troubles me the most,” Rafael said, pushing aside a paperweight on the desk. “The king’s actions hav caused me significant distress.”
Jacob pondered for a moment, then a new thought occurred to him.” Your Highness, is it possible that the king is not necessarily forcing. you to surrender your command… What I mean is, perhaps he might be willing to accommodate whatever choice you make.”
II
Rafael’s expression grew somber, “Are you suggesting that the king. genuinely wants to make Carissa a consort?”
“It could be he wants both-your military command and Lady. Sinclair. If you insist on having him retract the edict, he might still seek to have both. As for rewarding you, it could be in other forms- gold, silver, treasures, or even the return of the Mystic Army to you,” Jacob replied.
Rafael had never considered this before. He had never heard of Salvador showing any interest in Carissa. If he had, he would have asked Victoria to intervene when Melanie arranged Carissa’s marriage to Barrett.
But perhaps Salvador hadn’t been interested before, only to change. his mind after the Southern Frontier battle?
His harem included all kinds of women, but none like Carissa, who was both capable in both literature and martial arts, and dignified.
enough to be a matriarch.
Moreover, Carissa had proven her ability to lead the Hell Monarch Army. If Carissa became Salvador’s concubine, his troubles would be greatly eased. Also, Carissa had proven her worth before the soldiers who had followed Hector before this. The generals who used to serve under Hector would also follow her commands.
The king’s few simple words must have hidden intentions.
With this thought in mind, Rafael’s eyes grew colder. “So, at this point, I must surrender the medal of command and formally propose to Carissa. There are no other options.”
Jacob sighed. “It seems so. It’s up to you to find a suitable reason for the proposal, whether as a strategic move or a heartfelt declaration. Either way, you have to settle this marriage. The three-month deadline
is likely troubling for Lady Sinclair, but no one would dare propose without the king’s approval. The choice of a suitable candidate for the title is not something to be taken lightly.” Rafael’s gaze deepened. “I understand.”
Jacob thought for a moment, and added, “I fear that Lady Helen might not favor Lady Sinclair.
In Helen’s eyes, her son deserved the best. No noblewoman, especially one who had been married before, could be deemed worthy.
Given Helen’s penchant for creating difficulties, it was likely Carissa wouldn’t have a peaceful life after the marriage.
Rafael was known for his decisive actions. Since he had already decided, he resolved to act quickly.
“Send a notice to Northwatch Estate. I will visit tomorrow.”
