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The gatekeeper recognized her, and hurriedly tried to stop her. Sophie brushed him aside, and strode forward.
The palace guards weren’t idle. Seeing someone break in, they quickly took their positions. After the incident at Eleanor’s birthday banquet, the guards were well aware that Sophie was considered an enemy of the grand princess.
The head guard maintained a semblance of courtesy. Before taking any action, he said, “Lady Devin, Grand Princess Eleanor has instructed that you are not to set foot in Harmony Palace. Please leave immediately, or we will have to use force, and you may be injured.”
Standing before the head guard, Sophie calmly replied, “Go ahead and do what you must.”
With a nimble leap, she stepped onto their heads and sprang onto the rooftop. With a series of swift jumps, she made her way into the inner courtyard in no time.
The head guard was taken aback, but he quickly shouted, “Quick, to the inner courtyard! Protect the grand princess!”
But the guards were too late. Sophie had already burst into the courtyard, and was now standing before Eleanor.
Eleanor was enjoying her coffee and pastries. Every afternoon after her nap, she would savor a cup of bitter coffee paired with a sweet treat.
Just as she raised her cup, a figure flashed before her eyes and landed right in front of her, causing her cup to clatter to the floor.
When she saw that it was Sophie, her face turned red with anger. ” Sophie Devin, how dare you? Have you no respect for me?!”
Sophie looked up coldly, observing Eleanor’s furious expression. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the serving maid rushing forward to shield Eleanor as they shouted for help. “Guards, come quickly!”
Sophie smiled. “Your Highness, there’s no need for such a commotion. I’m merely here to return something.”
Eleanor’s eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on the miniature chastity belt sculpture in Sophie’s hands. Her expression darkened immediately.
Had Melanie kept such an item?
Such an object should have been smashed to pieces in anger upon receipt. Eleanor had thought it was just an empty threat, but to her surprise, it had actually been kept.
The head guard, leading his men, was about to rush in when Eleanor snapped, “Stay back and guard the door.”
Only a few trusted individuals knew about the miniature chastity belt sculpture. Although it could be discussed, it must never be seen by others-especially since these were not her most trusted guards, but rather lower-ranking guards who were less discreet. After a few drinks, they could easily spill secrets.
Her maids remained behind. As the door was shut, Eleanor’s eyes narrowed in fury as she looked at Sophie. “It seems you have a death wish. Do you think marrying Rafael will protect you? Your intrusion into my residence is a grave disrespect. I could have your head for this.”
Sophie met her gaze without fear, only disdain.
“Anyone can make threats, but while you can have my head, I can just as easily end your life. I have seen many wicked people in my life, but few are as vicious and narrow-minded as you.
“My father and brothers sacrificed their lives for the kingdom. As a royal princess, not only do you show them no respect, but you also sent such a cruel, cursed object to my family. You have bullied my mother and sisters-in-law. Even now, you continue to strike them when they’re gone. You are less than human-not even fit to be called a beast! Even beasts wouldn’t act so despicably!”
Eleanor was so enraged that her chest head. How dare you You are being utterly
“So what if I am? Sophie’s voice was cold and filled with contempt.
“How do you deserve to be a grand princess? How do you deserve the people’s support? A person as vicious as you will eventually face retribution for your own actions. I didn’t just come here to retum this cursed object. I also want to let you know that I’ll be watching you like a hawk if you make even the slightest mistake, ‘ ensure you’re held accountable. You practically drove a knife into my mother’s heart. I’ll make sure to repay you with each and every wound you inflicted”
With that, Sophie hurled the marble miniature chastity belt sculpture to the ground As the marble shattered and scattered, she sneered and turned around. Then, she kicked the closed door open and strode out
At the door, she turned back to glare at Eleanor
“Remember what I said today. I’m always ready for you. Whether it’s a sneaky, underhanded, or vicious trick, I make sure it backfires on your”
Having said her piece, Sophie leaped into the air. She landed on the roof, and quickly reached the entrance of Eleanor’s residence. She jumped into the carriage and commanded, “Let’s go!” Eleanor clutched her chest, her face dark with fury. She stared at the fragments of marble scattered on the ground, barely able to make out the inscription of the miniature chastity belt sculpture.
Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly and ordered, “Prepare a carriage. I need to go to the palace to see the king.”
Dealing with someone like Sophie didn’t require any underhanded tactics. Eleanor would simply report her to Salvador, and Sophie would have nowhere to hide.
While she might not interfere with major court matters, she was still the king’s aunt. Getting Salvador to punish Sophie was more than feasible.
Shaking with rage, Eleanor reflected on the only disgrace she had ever suffered- being rejected by Hector years ago.
Little did she know that after all these years, she would suffer another humiliation at her birthday banquet and now, again. If she tolerated this any longer, wouldn’t it embolden Sophie to become even more audacious?
Derek entered the king’s study, and reported, “Your Majesty, Grand Princess Eleanor has come to the palace and requests to see you.”
Salvador looked up from the mountain of reports before him. He tossed aside his pen, and rubbed his temples. “Did she say what it was about?”
“She didn’t specify, but she appears to be quite angry,” Derek replied cautiously.
Salvador sneered, “My aunt has always been domineering. During festivals, she visits the palace and treats me like a child. However, she seldom comes to see me alone. After all, what could be so significant that a great princess like her can’t handle? Its likely related to the events at the birthday banquet.”
He had heard about what happened at Eleanor’s birthday banquet, though he was unsure of the full details. It had been several days since then-was she still aggrieved by that event?
“Show her in,” Salvador said.
Derek hesitated before adding, “Grand Princess Eleanor is at Serenity Palace. She has also summoned Lady Helen.”
“Summoned?” Salvador’s smile was shallow, and lacking warmth. “Very well. As a younger member of the family, it is my duty to pay my respects to my aunt.”
Derek bowed, then instructed, “Prepare the litter for the king.”
The journey from the study to the inner palace was a bit of a distance, and it was too hot to walk.
After helping Salvador into the litter, Derek said softly, “I heard that at the birthday banquet, Lady Devin mentioned that Grand Princess Eleanor had sent a miniature chastity belt sculpture to Madam Devin. It sounds rather unsettling.”
“I’ve heard about it,” Salvador said, his usually composed expression darkening. Even the sun could not dispel his gloom. “If this is true, she, as a royal, has not only disgraced herself but also betrayed the favor my grandfather bestowed upon her.”
Derek continued, “It might be due to old grievances.”
“Old grievances?” Salvador pondered the rumors he had heard amidst his busy schedule. “Are you referring to her desire to marry Hector?”
421
Yes, it seems so. The matter was quite a scandal at the time. Grand Princess Eleanor has held a grudge ever since. Even though she has maintained a facade of harmony with her husband, there have been ongoing conflicts beneath the surface
Salvador glanced at Derek, who quickly lowered his head in alarm.
ve spoken out of turn,” he apologized.
“You usually don’t say much, but you seem particularly concerned about Hector’s family,” Salvador said calmly.