Her Graceful War Song novel 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."

"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 Isaac do something ridiculous."