Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
After a long moment, he finally replied softly, “I have always felt that I owe her. I won’t be a burden to her.”
Alice looked at her son, her heart aching at his broken expression. “I’ll arrange another marriage for you…”
“That’s not necessary.” Thomas smiled bitterly, shaking his head. “Let it be. I don’t plan on remarrying.”
Alice was taken aback. “You don’t plan on remarrying? What are you saying? You don’t have any children. How can you not remarry?”
“We can talk about it later,” Thomas said gently. “Mom, I don’t want to discuss this anymore.”
“Is it because you feel guilty towards Viola that you don’t want to marry again?” Alice asked, her voice trembling.
“Mom, I just returned, and you’re already bringing up marriage. It’s really not appropriate.”
Hearing the sadness in her son’s tone, Alice felt her own heart grow heavy. She had never even dared to dream that he would come back, so whatever he said now was what mattered.
Why should she add to his unhappiness?
“Just remember what I told you don’t seek Viola out. Don’t disrupt the life she has now,” Alice reminded softly.
“I won’t,” Thomas replied with a bitter expression. “I promise, Mom. Please don’t worry about it.”
“That’s good,” Alice said, unable to hold back her tears. “It’s my fault If I hadn’t encouraged her to leave, she would still be your wife. Everyone else is reunited with their spouses, and only you…”
Thomas interrupted her gently, “Mom, I’m feeling a bit tired. I think I’ll go bathe.”
Alice watched him, a deep sigh escaping her lips. It seemed that it would be difficult for him to let go right now.
“I just want to add one last thing:
when Madam Zoey came to return your death pension and the money for the shops, she mentioned that the Prince family were worried about Viola clinging to you. I feel there’s Something strange about it.”
Thomas pondered his mother’s words for a moment, then said, “Alright, I understand.”
The next day, Carmen and Greta arrived at Hell Monarch Estate to return the horse. They also brought along gifts of gratitude. Luke met with them, but after waiting for a while without seeing Sophie, they decided to take their leave.
As they were leaving, they happened to see Violet.
She greeted Carmen warmly, saying, “Ms. Lester, you’ve come to return the horse? The people in the estate have been busy these past few days. Let’s talk and discuss martial arts in a few days.”
Carmen curtsied politely. “Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Spencer. I will certainly come to seek your guidance after some time.”
With a smile, Violet waved her hand. “You should head back now. I have my own tasks to attend to.”
As Greta and Carmen climbed into a carriage, Greta muttered, “Why take the long way around? You didn’t see the Hell Monarch’s princess consort today, but Ms. Spencer was quite enthusiastic. I think you should start with her. If you can get in good with her, you’ll have more freedom to go in and out of Hell Monarch Estate. That would be a significant step forward.”
Feeling a bit discontented about the delay, Greta continued, “Although your sister can be difficult, she does get things done efficiently. On the other hand, you’re quite soft-spoken. Do you still want to get your mom out or not?”
“Sage Greta, can you speak to Mother and let me see my mom? Once I’ve seen her, I’ll do my best,” Carmen pleaded.
“Let’s wait a few days,” came the response.
Carmen persisted and bowed low. “Sage Greta, please just let me have one meeting. If you plead with Mother on my behalf, I promise I will complete my task.
“Now is the best time. With Princess Kiera’s imminent wedding, things are chaotic. Right now, I can still go back to Harmony Palace. But if I catch Prince Rafael’s eye, they will definitely investigate me. By then, I won’t even be able to see my mom.”
Seeing that Greta remained unmoved, Carmen cried, her voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and indignation, “If I have to risk my life, I deserve a reward! I can’t rest easy serving Mother if I don’t know how my mom is doing!”
Greta furrowed her brows, realizing that she needed to give Carmen some hope. After all, no matter how obedient someone was, they couldn’t be completely controlled.
A mom and daughter shared a bond. As long as Carmen saw her mom, she would be driven to do everything in her power to save her.
“Wait a little longer. I’ll help you plead your case.”
“Thank you so much, ma’am! Thank you!” Carmen cried, her cheeks glistening with tears. “I will never forget your immense kindness.”
Greta’s expression was as stoic as ever. Even though Carmen was her apprentice in name, she was merely a tool in Greta’s eyes. She felt no pity at all for the younger woman.
Rafael had already sent people to investigate the Lester family,
Carmen, and Celeste, along with the brothel she had once been in.
Although Eleanor had been rain ne
Celeste in the palace, Samuel had met her in that kind of place, so the brothel was likely involved in some unsavory dealings.
Yesterday, Rafael had entered the palace to report the details of the rescue to the king. Salvador had praised him verbally and mentioned that Yuvan would be returning to the capital.
Rafael saw that Salvador harbored no suspicion toward their uncle, and the king even sighed heavily as he said, “You know, I suggested taking Lady Ruth to Valken, but Uncle Yuvan insists that she has the court physicians looking after her here in the palace. He believes it’s safer that way.
“He’s worried I might suspect him, so he prefers to keep Lady Ruth in the capital to reassure me. But I’ve never doubted him. His excessive caution only prevents their family from being reunited. He and Uncle Harvey are both overly cautious and timid, but I can’t blame them. They’ve always been like that since Dad was on the throne.”
After hearing those words, Rafael stayed silent. There were some things that, if spoken by him, would take on a different tone. It could make Salvador suspicious of the wrong people and blind him to the real threats. However, action had to be taken.
Yuvan’s return to the capital signaled a greater strategy at play, and most of his foundation in the capital stemmed from Eleanor. That aunt of theirs had pretended to be virtuous and upright for so many years. It was about time to have her true colors revealed to everyone.
The eighth of August was Kiera’s wedding day.
Unlike typical noble ladies, Kiera and Helen returned to the palace the night before, with Sophie naturally accompanying them. Henrietta and Meredith stayed close, hoping to ease Kiera’s nerves about her wedding and share some secrets about navigating life with a prince consort. Henrietta said, “The Quinton and Young families are among the most distinguished scholarly families in Starhaven. They have a reputation for being harmonious, though they do have their rules. But honestly, how could their rules compare to those of the royal palace? “Besides, you’re a princess with your own estate. You don’t need to worry about their opinions. Your mother-in-law and father-in-law are both kind-hearted people. Your father-in-law is almost childlike. If you ever want to visit the Quinton family for a bit, no one would dare give you trouble.”
Kiera was well aware of these details. Her father-in-law had suffered a head injury at a young age, and her mother-in-law, having known him since childhood, had still married him without caring about his shortcomings. Together, they had Logan and his sister, Crystal. They were all easy to get along with.
In truth, Kiera didn’t feel nervous at all. She wasn’t sure why everyone assumed she would be. She decided to play the part of the anxious bride. It felt more fitting for the occasion.
After all, if it made everyone happy, why not? Life was but a play.
Dressed in her bridal finery, the intricate phoenix crown perched atop her head framed her dainty face. Her features were delicate, and her eyes shone with a bright and honest sparkle. There was nothing sharp or regal about Kiera’s demeanor. Instead, she radiated warmth and tranquility.
Kylie arrived with the eldest prince and the second princess. After all, Kiera was marrying Kylie’s cousin. As Kiera’s cousin-in-law, she had to help with the preparations.
The king’s favored concubine, Sylvia, dropped by briefly. She delivered a few congratulatory words before leaving, her demeanor still as haughty as ever. As she walked away, she cast a glance at Sophie, leaving her somewhat bewildered. Dealing with Sylvia was no easy task.
When it was time, officials from the Ministry of Protocol and the Heritage Bureau announced the edict at the eastern steps of the ceremonial gates. Logan knelt before them to receive it. His heart was brimming with joy as he absorbed every word in the edict. He didn’t care much for the royal customs regarding what a groom should do. All he wanted was to cherish Kiera, just like his father and mother did each other.