Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1488

After a while, Max finally arrived. Upon seeing Carissa and Connor together, he let out a sigh of relief.

"Commander Sinclair, we need to get Prince Connor back right away. Her Majesty is worried, and she's already sent people looking for him. However, the attendants are too afraid to go into the fenced area, so they've been calling from the outside."

Connor clearly looked conflicted and didn't want to go back.

"Your mom cares about you. She'll be worried. You should return," Carissa said gently.

Connor pouted. "She doesn't really love me. She only scolds me. She's a bad person."

Carissa looked at him, somewhat surprised. Kylie doted on him—even spoiled him—so he should have been able to feel that love.

Now, after just a couple of scoldings, Kylie was suddenly the bad person?

However, as Carissa thought back to her time at the Pathfinders Guild, she understood. There, no matter how strict Everett was, no matter the punishments, she never dared to complain. But if Adrian scolded her even a little, she would sulk and feel as though he was a bad person.

Everett had once gleefully said to Adrian, "This is the result of overindulgence—too much pampering lowers one's authority."

It was true, but the difference was in the nature of the affection. Adrian, while loving, made sure Carissa learned when it was time to focus and trained her when it was time to practice. He was strict but fair.

Kylie's affection for Connor, on the other hand…

Carissa reflected that Kylie must have endured great hardships in her youth. Now, as the queen, and with Connor being the king's firstborn, Kylie probably didn't want him to face the same struggles she had.

It was natural for parents to project their own childhood experiences onto their children.

Carissa comforted Connor a little longer before asking Max to take him back.

Though he was reluctant, Connor didn't dare defy his aunt's request. With his head hung low, he followed Max, his steps slow and unwilling.

As she watched him go, Carissa couldn't help but recall how domineering he had been when bullying Ryan. There had been a noticeable change in him. Victoria's personal guidance had certainly made a difference.

Max escorted Connor back but didn't mention to Kylie that the child had secretly entered the enclosure. Instead, he simply reported that Carissa had found him.

When Kylie saw Connor return, his clothes were dirtied and the hem was covered in cockleburs. She immediately rose and led him inside, instructing Lydia to help him change.