As soon as Connor said those words, the mood in the room shifted.


    Ryan stood beside Carissa, awkwardly fidgeting with the hem of his garment. There was indeed a scent about him. Every time he returned home, he had to soak in the medicinal bath Sebastian prepared. He had grown ustomed to the smell, and so he thought it had faded. A quiet feeling of shame rose within him. When he had been a beggar, the most frequent insult he had heard was, "You stink! Get away!"


    Carissa squeezed his small hand, brushing her other hand across his cheek. "I like the fragrance of the medicine."


    Ryan lifted his eyes, finding sce in his aunt''s warm gaze.


    Right-wasn''t it just a few remarks? Was he really so fragile that he couldn''t handle that?


    He smiled at her. He didn''t mind what others said.


    Kylie noticed Victoria''s expression darkening and quickly stood up, pulling Connor over with a stern look. "Who taught you to speak like that? Apologize to Lord Ryan."


    Connor raised his chin. "I won''t apologize to a beggar."


    As soon as those words left his mouth, he felt as though the ground had vanished beneath him. Before he could react, two sharp psnded on his backside, making him wail in pain. "Hold back those tears!" Rafael snapped, gripping him firmly.


    No matter how spoiled Connor was, he was still just a seven-year-old child. Rafael''s stern demeanor was too much for him to bear.


    His sobs quickly died down, reced by soft whimpers. Hisrge eyes filled with tears as he looked helplessly at Kylie, silently pleading for help.


    Kylie''s eyes darkened, her expression hardening. "Apologize, or I''ll have your uncle tell your dad."


    She shot a quick nce at Victoria, who calmly sipped her tea, her face betraying no emotion.


    Connor reluctantly apologized. Ryan said it was fine, but the prince bit his lip, turned, and ran off without even bowing to Victoria before leaving. Kylie quickly stood. "Mother, please calm down. I''ll go teach him a lesson."


    Victoria gave a slight nod. "Go on."


    Carissa rose. "Your Majesty, please take care."


    Kylie''s gaze flicked briefly to Carissa''s face, and she forced a smile. "Please, stay seated. When you have the time another day,e and visit me." "Yes, Your Majesty," Carissa replied.


    Before turning, Kylie cast a look at Rafael. The coldness in his eyes almost made her lose herposure. She quickly averted her gaze and hurriedly left the room.


    Helen immediately rushed to Ryan


    and hugged him tightly, her heart full


    of both concern and anger. If it


    weren''t for her sister being here, she


    would have taught Connor adesson


    herself.


    "If the queen can''t teach him properly, she should let my sister raise him. Letting him turn out this spoiled-how is he ever going to be fit to be the crown prince?" Helen snapped. Victoria red at her but then smiled at Ryan, waving him over. "Ryan,e here, dear."


    Ryan obediently walked over. "Your Majesty."


    Victoria smiled warmly, her voice soft. "You did well just now. You were generous and forgave those who insulted you." Her smile remained, radiating kindness.


    "But remember, Ryan, you''re still a


    child. If someone insults you, you have every fight to respond in kind. Your grandfather and your father were both strong men. They were fierce warriors who gave their lives to protect Starhaven and all of its people. As long as you haven''t wronged anyone, no one has the right to bully you."


    Tears welled up in Ryan''s eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."


    Victoria gently patted his hand, then stood. "Come now, stay with me in the pce today. When it''s time for the pce gates to close, I''ll have someone escort you back to the estate."


    Carissa understood Victoria''snovelbin


    intentions; she hesitated for a


    moment before saying softly, "Your Majesty, why don''t we have lunch and I''ll take him back afterward? His uncle is likely sending someone to fetch him."


    "No need," Victoria replied with a raised hand, her tone slightly sharper now. "You may return. There''s no need to stay for lunch. The king ising to dine with me."