Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Freya had lost, but was unwilling to admit it. Her openness, her straightforwardness, her boldness-they had all been illusions.
Rafael summoned Sophie to the command tent.
A cup of hot coffee was placed before her, its steam hazy and blurring her vision. She picked up the cup, and took a sip. It was bitter-but on a battlefield, having any drink was a luxury.
“Do you want to kill her?” Rafael asked.
“I’ve considered it,” Sophie admitted candidly.
“The scouts we sent have reported back. Westhaven has even hidden the fact that Starhaven destroyed villages. They’re claiming that a fire destroyed the entire area instead, and everyone was burned alive. Do you know what that means?” Rafael continued.
Sophie held the cup tightly. The warmth of the drink contrasted sharply with the coldness in her heart.
After a long pause, she finally replied, “I understand. Westhaven wants to conceal the humiliation of their crown prince.”
“Even if the king discovers the truth, he can’t punish Freya publicly. At the very least, you can be assured that your grandfather won’t be implicated because of her,” Rafael said.
Since Westhaven denied the destruction of the villages, the king would be unlikely to force Freya into admitting it. It wouldn’t make sense to pressure Westhaven into confessing and then send emissaries to apologize.
Sophie understood this well. If Westhaven launched a retributive campaign, Freya wouldn’t be seen as a hero, but as the chief culprit. Her grandfather Dominic would also be implicated.
However, Westhaven kept the truth hidden. They established a border, signed the treaty, and granted Freya military honors.
Suddenly, Sophie thought of something and looked at Rafael.
“So, Liam’s assistance to Sandoria in the Southern Frontier is to force the court to send reinforcements. Freya, having achieved military merit, will definitely be chosen as one of the commanders for the reinforcements. Liam’s goal is solely Freya and her troops.”
Rafael nodded slowly.
“Exactly. Although the two kingdoms have superficially reached peace, the hatred between them remains. In the battle at Simonton, Westhaven will undoubtedly spare no effort to avenge Fawnrun. For us, it will still be a difficult fight. If you kill Freya today and Liam cannot take his revenge personally, I fear all his hatred might be directed towards the civilians of Simonton.”
Sophie was startled. “Are you saying that Liam might order a city massacre?”
“Not right now, but it’s highly likely he would if Freya dies. Liam is Westhaven crown prince’s maternal uncle,” Rafael explained.
Sophie felt a wave of anxiety. If she had killed Freya today, the consequences would have been severe.
Thankfully, she hadn’t!
Rafael’s gaze softened a bit. “Don’t overthink it. Focus on training. Liam’s primary target is Freya. Once the fighting starts, the main forces of Westhaven will undoubtedly pursue her. Even if you don’t kill her today and the court can’t punish her in the future, she will still find it hard to escape Liam’s grasp.”
Sophie nodded slightly. “Understood.”
She rose, gave a respectful nod, and returned to her tent.
Violet had calmed down and was chatting and laughing with Bun and the others. That was just how she was-her temper flared up quickly, but dissipated just as fast.
She looked up with a face full of joy. “After this battle, let’s see if Freya can still be so arrogant. Hmph! She really thinks too highly of herself.”
Sophie sat down, and started cleaning her spear. Her lowered gaze gave her a particularly beautiful profile. “Don’t provoke her. Focus on preparing for battle. We’ll soon be attacking the city.” “Why would we provoke her? That’ll just give us bad luck!” Violet replied.
Upon hearing that an impending city assault was on the horizon, they all got excited, eager to showcase their skills once again. They chattered animatedly about their previous heroic battles. Sophie pretended to listen, but her thoughts were occupied with Rafael’s wisdom and strategy.
He had directed Freya to challenge Sophie. With Freya’s defeat, even if she fought bravely in the upcoming battle, she would gain no military merit and would face punishment.
Now that she had lost, Freya would likely be more passive and disengaged on the battlefield. She would make an easy target for Liam. Alternatively, she might be captured by him.
If she died on the Southern Frontier battlefield, no one would investigate further into the Victory Pass battle. This would preserve Starhaven’s reputation, and maintain the Westhaven crown prince’s dignity. It would hit two birds with one stone.
Rafael’s strategy was indeed a win-win. It seemed he truly was as wise and capable as rumored.
Was it possible that he had requested Freya to lead the troops when sending the appeal for reinforcements to the court?
After Freya’s failed challenge, she faced considerable criticism from soldiers behind her back. The generals who had been punished for their trust in her now treated her with visible disdain. Fortunately, the soldiers under her command still held her in high regard, especially the three hundred who had fought alongside her. Their loyalty remained unwavering, largely because the victory at Fawnrun City had earned them a substantial reward.
Despite the murmurs of outsiders, their loyalty to Freya was steadfast. Moreover, they shared a secret they were bound never to reveal.
After two days of emotional turmoil, Freya slowly began to recover her composure. Though she had no achievements of her own, she took solace in the fact that as long as Blake succeeded, it would also bring glory to them as a couple.
When the time came, she planned to lead her troops alongside Blake to fight and gain merit. After Blake’s victories, she hoped he would speak on her behalf.
Excitedly, she approached Blake and said, “Blake, when the battle begins, I’ll lead my troops with you to help fight the enemy. Your victories will be mine as well. When it comes to rewards, just mention me in front of the king. I refuse to believe that the marshal can control everything.”
Blake remained silent for a long time, before finally giving her a curt nod.
Seeing his listless demeanor, Freya raised an eyebrow. “Blake, are you having regrets?”
“Regrets about what?” he asked.
“Regrets about marrying me.”
Blake avoided her gaze. “No.”
Freya placed her hand on his shoulder, looking into his eyes with a hint of redness in her own.
“I didn’t come from an illustrious background like Sophie, and I didn’t have a master as good as hers to teach me martial arts. I don’t have the reputation of a father and brothers’ like hers to protect her. She didn’t stay home and be the noble lady of a duke’s family as she should. Instead, she came to endure hardships on the battlefield in an attempt to surpass me and make you regret your choice. Don’t let her succeed in that.”
“I understand,” Blake said, nodding. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. It’s time to focus on training.”
“Blake!” Freya hugged him around the waist, her cheek resting on his shoulder. “I feel like you’ve become much colder towards me. Do you really regret it?”
Blake remembered the harsh words he had spoken to the Devins when they were moving things out of the Valor Estate. He even told them to pass a message to Sophie-that she shouldn’t regret her decisions.
He smiled bitterly, feeling a sharp sense of irony. “Why would I regret it? I don’t. Don’t overthink it.”
Sensing the unusual tone in his voice, Freya grew anxious. “Promise me you’ll never leave me.”
“I promise.” Blake’s voice was hollow.
A smile finally appeared on Freya’s face, though it was tinged with a teasing edge. “Remember your promise! If you ever grow tired of me, I’ll have your heart.”
The word “promise” struck Blake with heavy impact. He had once made a promise to Melanie Devin as well.