Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Sophie fell silent, and slowly followed behind Lydia. The walk from the palace gates to the inner palace of Evergreen Palace was a long one. Lydia walked ahead without speaking, her posture cold and distant.
Sophie exchanged a glance with Lulu, sensing that the queen’s summons might not bode well.
Despite her reservations, Sophie remained calm. She recalled Kylie’s reputation for kindness and virtue. Having met her once, Sophie believed the queen wouldn’t make things difficult for her, especially considering her recent military achievements.
Upon reaching Evergreen Palace, they weren’t led Into the main hall, but rather a side hall. Only then did Lydia speak, “Lady Devin, please walt here. Her Majesty will arrive shortly.”
“Thank you, Lydia,” Sophie replied, nodding respectfully.
Lydia returned the gesture and left the room.
Lulu looked around the side hall, noting its elegant and simple decor. She whispered to Sophie, “I’ve heard that the queen leads a very simple and plain life. It seems true.”
“Don’t speak without permission,” Sophie admonished softly.
Lulu straightened up. “Yes, my lady!”
They waited for approximately thirty minutes, but the queen had not yet arrived. Tea was served, but it was of poor quality, tasting somewhat stale. Sophie drank half a cup before setting it down, not wanting to drink more and risk haying to accept a refill.
After a while longer, they heard a call from outside, “Her Majesty, the queen, has arrived.”
Sophie quickly stood and bowed her head, waiting.
Footsteps approached, and soon, a young noblewoman dressed in a finely embroidered robe entered, surrounded by attendants. Sophiel kept her head lowered, noticing the delicate shoes adorned with jewels peeking from beneath the queen’s hem.
Despite Lulu’s earlier comment about the queen’s simple tastes, Sophie knew better. She had visited the main hall of Evergreen Palace before, and although it wasn’t flashy, every item was of high quality. The furniture was made of precious wood, and even the teacups were made from rare glass.
Kylie’s attire was elegant and understated, but it was always accented with a few pieces of exquisite
Once Kylie had settled into her seat, Sophie and Lulu approached and knelt respectfully.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Kylie’s gentle voice drifted down from above, “Lady Devin, there is no need for such formality. Please rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Sophie and Lulu stood, but remained in their place.
Kylie assessed Sophie. She had seen this woman before, and even then, Sophie’s beauty had been striking. Now, having returned from the battlefield, her complexion had changed, but she was still undeniably a breathtaking beauty, capable of withstanding the scrutiny of any observer.
Kylie thought about Salvador’s instruction to inquire whether Sophie would be willing to enter the palace. The thought made her stomach churn with unease.
A capable and stunning woman like Sophie might become the king’s favored concubine if she entered the palace. Though she would never surpass the queen in rank, winning Salvador’s heart could render Kylie’s position precarious.
Yet, Kylie had always been known for her grace and virtue. As someone in a higher position, she couldn’t afford to display any hint of jealousy.
Thus, she merely offered a few words of praise, acknowledging Sophie’s contributions to the Southern Frontier, before adding with a hint of significance, “General Jaffe failed to recognize your worth, Lady Devin. And so, a pearl that should have been precious is now being unfairly devalued due to its past.”
The remark was quite straightforward, implying that Sophie had been married before and was therefore not as precious as an untouched maiden.
Sophie caught the underlying message, but was puzzled as to why Kylie said this to her.
Kylie sipped her tea, her sleeve lightly brushing the edge of the cup. As if making a firm decision, she looked up at Sophie and said, ” Fortunately, a pearl is always a pearl. Any dust can be easily brushed away. You shouldn’t belittle yourself, Lady Devin. There will always be someone who appreciates the brilliance of a pearl.”
It was clear to Sophie now-Kylie was suggesting a marriage match.
Though this displeased Sophie, she maintained her composure and smiled slightly.
“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. The past is behind us. I am not one to dwell on bygone matters. One must look forward in life. Your comparison of me to a pearl is indeed flattering.
“I have spent my childhood training in Meadow Ridge, and am used to a wild and free lifestyle. Returning to the capital and being constrained by the norms of the city has felt quite restrictive. Thankfully, I am now back at my family estate. Also, having severed ties with the Jaffes, I find myself much more at ease.”
In other words, Sophie wasn’t interested in marriage-her independence was too valuable.
Sophie hoped her words would dissuade Kylie from acting as a matchmaker.
Kylie merely smiled, clearly dismissing Sophie’s comments as mere polite words meant to preserve her image. Recalling Salvador’s instructions, Kylie decided to be straightforward. After all, she had already implied that Sophie was a tarnished pearl. If Sophie were perceptive, she would understand to decline.
Kylie’s face brightened with a warm, affectionate smile. “Lady Devin, you are candid and graceful, qualities I deeply admire. If you were to enter the palace and become my sister, I believe His Majesty would be greatly pleased.”
Sophie’s lips parted slightly as she stared at Kylie in surprise.
What did Kylie mean by saying Salvador would be pleased if she became Kylie’s sister in the palace? Wasn’t this a veiled suggestion for her to become a concubine?
Sophie had just returned from battle with a military title. It was impossible for the current queen to interfere with matters of the previous court.
Moreover, Kylie likely didn’t want her to enter the palace. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have used the phrase about a pearl being tarnished to embarrass Sophie.
So, was it indeed Salvador who had prompted this questioning session? Why would Salvador have such intentions?
With a shift in her gaze, Sophie smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, if you like me, I would be honored to consider you as my elder sister. I am currently alone in my family, and have long wished for a sister to care for me.”
Kylie’s expression brightened immediately. Her previous cloud of concern lifted, and she responded with a radiant smile, “If I had a sister like you, who is both valiant and graceful, I would wake up smiling from such a dream.”
Sophie rose, and bowed gracefully with a wide smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for not finding me lacking. I shall indeed keep this sisterly bond in my heart. I hope, when the time comes to discuss a marriage match, you might lend a discerning eye as my elder sister,
Your Majesty.”
“Of course,” Kylie said cheerfully. She called to the attendants in the hall, “Sophie’s tea has gone cold. Please bring her a fresh cup.”
The second cup of tea was high-quality tea leaves. After Sophie thanked her with a smile and took a sip, she settled back to drink slowly, feeling puzzled.
Salvador had no personal motives regarding her. So, there must be another reason he wanted her to enter the palace.
What could it be…?
0
As Sophie left Evergreen Palace, she bumped into Rafael.
He looked as though he was still suffering from a hangover, his complexion pale and unwell. He was still dressed in the battle-worn uniform he had worn upon returning to the capital the previous day, stained with blood and dirt.
The familiar scent of sweat from him lingered in the air as he leaned. against the red palace gate. His messy hair had been straightened out, and he now wore a gold crown. It seemed out of place with the battered uniform, making his appearance quite peculiar.