He wanted to say more, but for some reason, the words wouldn’t come out.
The Mystic Army’s defensive measures turned the capital to a place of uncase and tension.
With a curfew in place, many businesses in the entertainment districts found their activities stifled. Coffeehouses and taverns closed their doors at sunset, and by night, the city seerned as lifeless as a tomb.
The strategy now was simple–if the enemy did not move, either would they.
The riverworks project continued without Interruption. As long as the work did not stop unnecessarily, the Mystic Army would remain on standby, prepared to mobilize at ang moment. Carissa knew that this was the only way to gain an advantage.
If the work remained uninterrupted, It would benefit both the court and the people.
Though no open battle had yet occurred, the air was thick with tension, the scent of war hanging over the city. The city gates were now under constant scrutiny. It was unlikely that the true mastermind behind the rebellion would stay away from the capital.
His life and wealth were at stake, so how could he command remotely?
Carissa suspected that the true mastermind might already have returned to the city. However, Violet, who was still living at Willowbrook Estate, had seen no signs of anything unusual.
The only people around Hayden were the two elderly servants, while the other household servants were busy with various tasks. The servants who left to buy the daily necessities were being closely watched by Bun and had no contact with the outside world.
It was a headache, to say the least. Carissa needed to take a moment to breathe.
The Prince family had been dealt their punishment. All the men were to be exiled, and even Cedric would not escape this fate. Exile to the Southern Frontier wasn’t so bad, at least. There, they would have some protection.
As for Zoey, Viola, and Evelyn, they weren’t in a position to purchase a large estate right now. Though Zoey had left money with Isaac, the current situation meant they had no choice but to take up residence in Skye Embroidery.
At first, Carissa had feared that Viola would protest living in such humble conditions, as she had always held herself above such things. But the harsh reality of Astral Prison had a way of softening even the sharpest of edges. Viola had said nothing, silently accepting her circumstances.
As for Courtney, Carissa had plans to settle her at Hell Monarch Estate, where she could spend time with Roxana. Roxana was a martial arts prodigy, while Courtney was a sharp, intelligent girl. Though they were of different ages, Carissa felt they could easily become fast friends–one a scholar, the other a warrior.
Courtney had been demoted to a commoner, but she had not been enslaved. This meant she could still return to Gracewood Women’s Academy. In fact, a commoner woman could easily attend the academy if she wished.
As for Luna’s daughters and the daughters of Oliver’s concubines, Carissa had asked them what they wanted to do. They said they wished to remain at Skye Embroidery and learn embroidery from Camila.
An education might not always guarantee a livelihood for a woman, but working with her hands was a skill that could ensure she never went hungry.
Carissa didn’t press them. After all, they were literate, and Zoey had never treated them poorly. Even Oliver’s concubines had always respected a lady of the house who showed such kindness to their children.
In the main hall, Carissa and Zoey spoke.
The latter seemed much more at ease, her demeanor calme now that she knew her brother–in–law and son had
been exiled to the Southern Frontier. Though the journey would be arduous, she took comfort in the fact that there would be people to help them along the way and care for them once they arrived. There was still hope, even if the path ahead was difficult.
She wore a simple cloth gown, looking refreshed. Her energy was completely different from the heavy, worn–out expression she had once wom
She curtsled deeply to Carissa, her voice thick with emotion as she said, “If it weren’t for you, I fear we would still be suffering in Astral Prison, Your Grace,”
Carissa smiled gently. “Zoey, you flatter me. You’re more than capable of managing a household. You’ll be invaluable at the workshop, helping with both the internal and external matters. I’ll be counting on you.”
Zoey nodded solemnly. “I will do everything I can to manage the workshop. If no one wants to go out and sell the embroidered goods, I can do it. I’m no longer afraid of stepping out into the world.”
“With you here, I can rest easy,” Carissa said sincerely.
She truly meant it. Lately, she had been running around like a whirlwind, and the workshop and women’s academy had both suffered for it.
Now, aside from the Prince family members, there were over ten women living at Skye Embroidery. Some of the women, having learned there was a place that would take them in, had chosen to leave their marriages rather than endure any further hardships.
Though the numbers were still small, Carissa was optimistic. Progress was progress; they had to take things one step at a time.
Viola was still recovering, so she hadn’t come to meet with Carissa. It might have been an excuse, as Rowan had said she was no longer in serious danger..
Carissa suspected that Viola didn’t quite know how to face her. After all, she had once been her imagined rival. However, Carissa wasn’t bothered. She believed that if Viola stayed stubborn, Kayla’s next visit with supplies would only make it harder for her to face Carissa.
