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He wanted to explain that hopping along was easier on one foot so that the other was less stressed, but he wouldn’t contradict Helen’s kind intentions.
When Sophie married, Frederick had told him to be obedient in Hell
Monarch Estate. He was advised to study and practice martial arts, to be too mischievous or upset Helen, as her anger might affect Sophie.
So, Ryan intended to be very good, hoping to win Helen’s favor, which in turn would make her like his aunt even more.
Rafael mounted his horse, and the rest of the family got into the carriage. The carriages were spacious, with cushioned seats and decorated copper stoves in the corners. The stoves, filled with glowing iron blocks, kept the chill at bay.
Sophie didn’t speak a word throughout the ride. She felt no festive cheer of New Year’s Eve, only the biting cold wind that seeped through the curtains, which chilled her heart.
A hand took hers.
Sophie looked down at it and then up to see Helen giving her a look of encouragement and comfort. Sophie, you still have us.”
“What’s wrong?” Kiera asked, puzzled.
When Yuvan and his family arrived, Kiera and Ryan had been playing in the backyard and were unaware of the situation. They didn’t know about Avis’ passing.
Helen wasn’t particularly adept at offering comfort, and she didn’t want to dwell on the painful subject.
Instead, she said, “During festive times, we miss our loved ones even more. Your sister-in-law is thinking of her family during this New Year’s Eve.”
At these words, Ryan’s eyes dimmed.
Sophie gathered herself. At the palace banquet, she knew she couldn’t allow herself to be downcast. She resolved to keep her pain hidden, just as she had before. If she could conceal it well, it wouldn’t hurt so much.
Sophie knew she couldn’t let Helen comfort her any longer. The latter’s attempts at consolation were heartbreaking.
Sophie squeezed Ryan’s hand. “It’s alright. I was just feeling a bit down, but my spirits are already lifting after I think about tonight’s palace banquet and all the delicious food.”
Her tone was light, managing to deceive both Kiera and Ryan, as well as Helen.
Though Helen was distressed by Avis’ passing, the palace banquet was a lively affair. Such excitement was rare-who wouldn’t enjoy it?
The palace was indeed bustling with festive cheer. The atmosphere was thick with New Year’s spirit, with lights and decorations adorning every corner. Star-shaped lanterns lined the corridors, casting a bright light that made the palace appear as if it were bathed in daylight.
Yuvan was currently taking his family to pay their respects to the queen dowager and the queen,
Victoria wasn’t fond of Yuvan, who was the late king’s younger brother. Naturally, it was due to his reckless behavior and the bad reputation he had for favoring his concubine and abandoning his rightful wife Seeing that Avis wasn’t accompanying them, Victoria suspected her illness had likely worsened. Avis’ condition had been unstable for the past two years, and it was Sebastian’s apprentices who had been attending to her.
If they had relied on Yuvan and Fiona, Avis might have already died.
Still, Victoria inquired about Avis’ health.
It was intended as a casual inquiry, and Victoria didn’t expect a truthful answer. It was understood that Avis was still unwell and not suited for travel.
However, Yuvan struggled to answer the question.
Before Sophie announced Avis’ death, Yuvan could have used the old excuse that she was not well enough to be out in the cold. But now, the people of Rafael’s household knew the truth. Also, Sophie might well bring it up at the banquet-if not tonight, then certainly in the coming days.
Yet, Yuvan couldn’t muster a single tear for his late wife.
With a mournful expression, he said, “Your Majesty, I regret to report that upon arriving in the capital, I received the tragic news that Avis has passed away.”
Victoria’s cup clattered to the floor. “What?”
Salvador and Kylie both turned to look, their faces filled with astonishment.
How could this happen during the New Year festivities?
Moreover, if Avis had passed away, why was Yuvan still in the capital with his entire family? Was the palace banquet truly more important than his wife’s funeral? “Shouldn’t you hurry back to Valken, Uncle Yuvan?” Salvador said quickly, recalling how his aunt had taken care of him in his youth.
The sorrow he felt was palpable.
Yuvan looked distressed, and replied, “She seemed to be in good health before we left for the capital don’t know why the bad news canne just as we arrived. I planned to first pay my respects to the queen dowager and Your Majesty, and immediately return after the banquet.”
“Yes, indeed. Since we are here, there will be just one more day of delay. We will set off first thing tomorrow,” Fiona added.
While this reasoning was understandable, the situation felt awkward. How could Yuvan be in the mood for a palace banquet when his wife had passed away? The festivity must have been a painful reminder.
Upon reflection, Salvador realized that Yuvan had long favored his concubine, Fiona, and had neglected his wife for a long time. Avis’ death probably meant little to him.
Though displeased, Salvador recognized that Yuvan and his family had already arrived. And with it being New Year’s Eve, them away immediately wasn’t appropriate. The city gates would close soon, and a late-night journey wouldn’t be suitable.
Not wanting to dwell on the matter further on such a joyous occasion, Salvador said, “Uncle Yuvan, you -haven’t seen your mother for two or three years. You should go and greet her.”
Yuvan’s mother was Ruth. She was one of the concubines of the previous king. Augustus, who ruled Starhaven before Salvador’s father, Sigmund.
Augustus’ concubines were all living in the same residence now, and there weren’t many of them left. They were now each other’s companions. After years of rivalry and the death of Augustus, there was nothing left to compete for.
Ruth was also Eleanor’s adoptive mother. Eleanor’s biological mother had been the noble concubine,
Chloe. When Chloe fell ill, she sent Eleanor to be raised by Ruth. After Chloe’s death, Eleanor stayed with Ruth, who cared for her since.
In the past, Augustus had been very fond of Chloe. By extension, he had also cared deeply for Eleanor.
While Ruth was raising Eleanor, Augustus showered them with continuous gifts and rewards.
Now, Ruth had become the grand concubine of Augustus’ concubines. Compared to Sigmund’s concubines, they were nearly inconsequential. Their primary concern was merely to continue living. Those of lower status who had not borne children were either consigned to be buried with the deceased or sent to nunneries.
In terms of seniority, Augustus’ concubines were indeed among the oldest in the palace. Unfortunately, seniority did not hold much weight in the harem.
Sigmund had sent Yuvan to his fief, but he had kept Ruth in the palace as a way to restrain Yuvan.
Over the years, Yuvan seemed to lack ability. He was foolish and infatuated with beautiful women, leading to him abandoning his wife for a concubine.
So, Salvador had considered granting Yuvan a favor by allowing him to bring Ruth to Horizon Estate. He planned to issue the edict after New Year’s Eve.
However, upon hearing about Avis passing, Salvador was displeased and decided to postpone this matter. After all, Eleanor was also considered Ruth’s daughter, and it would be appropriate for Eleanor to fulfill her duties as a daughter.
Yuvan, accompanied by his family, took their leave and went to visit Ruth in her residence. Coincidentally, Eleanor was there as well.