Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
In contrast, Marjorie’s farewell was sincere. She turned to Sophie with a warm smile and said, “Please do visit whenever you can, Your Grace. I enjoy our conversations so much.”
“I will,” Sophie replied, smiling as she waved.
The carriage moved slowly through the bustling streets of the capital, the lively energy of the city apparent from the crowded roads.
Taking a rare break from their busy lives, the couple shared a quiet understanding as they got out of the carriage. They told Jacob and Lulu to head back first while they wandered the streets for a bit.
Of course, strolling through the market was out of the question. Their looks and demeanor were too striking-they would stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd.
So, they headed for Glimmering Tower, where they booked a private room and ordered a few exquisite dishes. They also asked for a bottle of ice wine. As it was poured into a glass, its fragrance filled the air. Rafael’s eyes lit up. “It’s been so long since I’ve had a good drink.”
Sophie lifted her glass, clinking it gently against his, a teasing smile on her lips. “Drink as much as you want today. If you get drunk, I’ll carry you back.”
Rafael grinned, taking a sip before setting his glass down. He gently traced his fingers along her cheek, his gaze soft with unspoken affection.
“If I get drunk, I’ll row us out onto the lake in a boat. We can lie back and watch the stars. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
His gentle voice brushed her heart like a feather, making her feel a bit tipsy. It was almost as if she were already drunk.
She smiled sweetly and responded, “Alright!”
“Darling,” he said, gazing at her intently.
Sophie lifted her head, feeling a bit unfamiliar with the term. Yet, it sounded so intimate that her cheeks flushed a soft red. “Yes?”
“At the time of our marriage, it must have felt like I was pushing you into it. Did you feel wronged?” Rafael asked, his eyes filled with regret.
Their marriage was officially arranged by Salvador, a union meant to retract his brother’s military authority. But in reality, it was the outcome the prince had wanted all along.
At that time, Sophie had no real choice-pushed to either marry Rafael or enter the palace as a concubine.
“Did you feel wronged, marrying me?” Sophie countered, her gaze playful.
Rafael froze for a moment. “How could I feel wronged? You know my heart. I got what I wanted.”
A warmth spread across Sophie’s eyes. “Mom always hoped I’d marry a good man. I think she’d be content now.” The prince raised an eyebrow. “Your mom would be content, but what about you?”
“Me?” Sophie refilled his wine, a smile lighting up her face. “I’ve gotten a great deal. How could I not be happy?” Rafael’s face seemed to glow under her gaze. “Do you have feelings for me?”
Sophie put the wine bottle down, thinking for a moment.
Just when Rafael thought she was about to answer, she asked, “Haven’t you already asked me that question?” As his heart skipped a beat, he suddenly blurted, “Sophie, I love you.”
“You’ve already said that too.”
She rested her chin in her hand, staring at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Rafael inhaled sharply, leaning in closer. Their eyes locked, and she felt her pulse quicken, her face warming.
“You’ll say it eventually, but no rush. I’ll spend a lifetime waiting for you to say you love me.”
Sophie clutched the sleeve of her dress, her heart swelling with emotion and a strange, unfamiliar longing. Alongside it, however, was the fear of losing him.
He already had a permanent place in her heart. She cared for him deeply, yet she dared not let herself much. How she wished th too could stay together forever.
But the world was cruel. There would be separations, both in life and in death. Whether by life’s parting or death’s, they could come without warning, striking out of nowhere.
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Tears welled in her eyes, though a smile lingered on her lips. “Alright.”
He leaned in and gently bit her lip.
“I promise, we’ll always be together,” he said, his voice low and reassuring.
As a couple united in heart, he understood her every thought.
Sophie lifted her gaze, her long lashes brushing against his eyes. Tears shimmered in her eyes, lingering on the edge but refusing to fall.
At the Quinton family’s residence, Malcolm straightened his clothes and said, “You’re being foolish, dear. How could you believe Sophie’s deception? If Her Majesty really stepped in to support the workshop, wouldn’t she be scorned by the civil officials? “Right now, the queen doesn’t need to do anything-Prince Connor’s position as the crown prince is already nearly secure. He is the legitimate eldest son. Who else could it be but him?”
Marjorie remained seated, her expression calm as she asked, “If that’s the case, then why did you target the workshop, my lord?”
Since the matter with Casey, Marjorie had stopped addressing him affectionately. After so many years of marriage, there was a clear distance between them now.
Malcolm pursed his lips, silent, though the darkness in his eyes deepened.
Marjorie understood the reason, and when he remained silent, she added, “His Majesty is in his prime and there’s no talk of choosing a crown prince. The palace is full of concubines, so the number of princes will only grow.
“If another prince emerges, wiser and more capable than Prince Connor, won’t His Majesty take that into consideration? Right now, His Majesty refuses to discuss the position of crown prince, and I’m sure you know the reason for that better than I do. But one thing is certain-Prince Connor is mediocre and His Majesty looks down on him.”
Malcolm furrowed his brow, wanting to argue, but there was nothing he could say.
In the end, he simply responded, “If we anger His Majesty and provoke the nobles and civil officials, it won’t be good for the queen. Don’t be foolish, dear.”
Marjorie replied, “With the Hell Monarch’s princess consort and Mrs. Lloyd leading the charge, there’s no need for the queen to raise a banner herself. She could test the queen dowager’s stance first. If the queen dowager approves, the queen could send some money to the workshop.
“If the king blames her, she could say it was done out of respect for the queen dowager. If the king doesn’t say anything, it’ll just be some rumors outside. But in the long run, it would benefit both the queen and Prince Connor’s reputation. After all, you believe the workshop can succeed. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have sent people to sabotage it.”
But no matter how Marjorie urged, Malcolm still disagreed. He felt that avoiding the matter entirely would be the safest course-why take the risk?
Seeing that he wouldn’t agree, Marjorie didn’t press further. However, after some thought, she decided it was a viable plan, so she sent someone to the palace to send word that she was coming to visit the queen.
In Everspring Palace, Kylie listened to Marjorie’s words with surprise.
“Mom, are you mad? How could I support Sophie? His Majesty has always opposed the establishment of that workshop. If a woman is cast out and her family doesn’t take her in, she can always go to a convent. Starting a workshop for self-sufficiency? I don’t agree with that either.”
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Marjorie was somewhat surprised. “You don’t approve, Your Majesty?”
Kylie shook her head, the delicate sound of her jeweled necklace faintly chiming as she smiled faintly. “Why would you think I’d support it, Mom?”