Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
A flicker of displeasure crossed Rafael’s eyes.
“If he wants to know, he should come ask me.”
Rafael’s expression darkened, though not out of jealousy he was more annoyed that Blake was being so thoughtless.
Sophie had just come from an audience with the king, and Blake had the audacity to stop her and ask questions. Didn’t he realize that the royal study wasn’t just full of palace servants? Ministers and officials were coming and going, too. “I didn’t pay him much mind,” Sophie said, “but it surprised me that he’d still ask about Freya.”
“Forget him,” Rafael muttered, then opened his arms and pulled her into an embrace. “Let’s go get Ryan.”
As the carriage rolled on, the golden hues of the setting sun filtered through the curtains and cast a warm glow on their faces, as if the world itself had been dusted with sunlight.
When they arrived at the academy, Dylan parked the carriage and went inside to fetch Ryan. Moments later, he returned, guiding Ryan out to the carriage.
Ryan had matured noticeably. When he had first started at the academy, he would have bounded out of the gates at the sight of his aunt and uncle. Now, though still visibly excited, he walked out in a proper and orderly manner. Once inside the carriage, he greeted his uncle politely before immediately burying himself in his aunt’s arms.
“Aunt Sophie, today my teacher praised me,” he said, his voice bubbling with pride. “He said my writing was good.”
Sophie took a handkerchief from her bag and gently wiped Ryan’s face, smiling. “Oh? You’re writing now?”
“Yes!” Ryan nodded eagerly, then pulled several sheets of paper from his bag and handed them to her. “Aunt Sophie, look! This is what I wrote.”
Sophie’s heart swelled as she looked at his handwriting. It wasn’t the most fluid yet, but each letter was neat and firm, with ink that seemed to pulse with life. She praised his handwriting first, then began reading the essay.
It was a bit rough, naturally. The words were simple and the structure lacked sophistication, but the clarity of thought was evident. It was clear that Ryan had a quick mind, his thoughts flowing steadily from one point to the next. Once she finished, she showed it to Rafael, who read it over with equal approval.
“We’ll take him to the palace tomorrow,” he said. “Let him have a meal with the queen dowager. She’ll be pleased to see him.”
Ryan’s eyes lit up. “I like going to the palace! Her Majesty is always so kind to me.”
Sophie gently ruffled Ryan’s hair. “Come here. Let me see if you’ve gotten thinner.”
Ryan looked up, blinking his bright eyes. “No, I haven’t! The academy feeds me very well.”
Sophie studied his face, which resembled her second brother’s so closely, and a pang of emotion tightened her chest. She tapped his nose lightly. “Your uncle bought you some crispy pastries. Eat them while they’re fresh.”
Ryan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? I’ve wanted those for so long! Thank you, Uncle Rafael!”
Rafael chuckled, handing him the fragrant pastries.
“You little glutton,” he teased fondly.
Ryan eagerly took the pastries, tearing open the paper bag and taking a big bite. “It’s delicious! So good!”
Sophie and Rafael exchanged a look, both laughing at his enthusiasm.
The next day, the carriage from Hell Monarch Estate made its way to the palace.
Helen had planned to skip visiting today. She had been going to the palace a lot lately, and both she and her siste were starting to get tired of seeing each other so often. Helen believed it was better to space out visits to keep their relationship warm.
But Ryan had insisted on her coming, and of course, she couldn’t disappoint him. So, Helen agreed and went along for Ryan’s sake.
Upon seeing Ryan, Victoria was overjoyed. She took his small hand in hers, asking if he was finding his studies difficult, if he was eating well, and if he was sleeping soundly.
Ryan answered each question obediently, then excitedly told Victoria some of the funny stories from the academy. Victoria was like any fond grandparent, and she adored hearing about the playful antics of children. She listened intently, thoroughly enjoying the conversation.
During that time, Kylie also brought the eldest prince to visit Victoria.
The eldest prince, Connor, was just a year older than Ryan. Ideally, they should have been able to play together. However, Connor didn’t like Ryan and wasn’t interested in playing with him at all. Connor didn’t even bother to hide his dislike. When Victoria asked the attendants to take the children outside to play, he shot Ryan a disdainful look.
“He smells funny. I don’t want to play with him.”
“That’s enough. Don’t speak like that,” Kylie scolded him lightly, her tone firm.
“But Mom, he really does stink,” Connor persisted, scrunching his face in disgust. He shot Ryan another venomous glare. “Stay far away from me!”
As soon as Connor said those words, the mood in the room shifted.
Ryan stood beside Sophie, awkwardly fidgeting with the hem of his garment. There was indeed a scent about him. Every time he returned home, he had to soak in the medicinal bath Sebastian prepared. He had grown accustomed to the smell, and so he thought it had faded. A quiet feeling of shame rose within him. When he had been a beggar, the most frequent insult he had heard was, “You stink! Get away!”
Sophie squeezed his small hand, brushing her other hand across his cheek. “I like the fragrance of the medicine.”
Ryan lifted his eyes, finding solace in his aunt’s warm gaze.
Right-wasn’t it just a few remarks? Was he really so fragile that he couldn’t handle that?
He smiled at her. He didn’t mind what others said.
Kylie noticed Victoria’s expression darkening and quickly stood up, pulling Connor over with a stern look. “Who taught you to speak like that? Apologize to Lord Ryan.”
Connor raised his chin. “I won’t apologize to a beggar.”
As soon as those words left his mouth, he felt as though the ground had vanished beneath him. Before he could react, two sharp slaps landed on his backside, making him wail in pain. “Hold back those tears!” Rafael snapped, gripping him firmly.
No matter how spoiled Connor was, he was still just a seven-year-old child. Rafael’s stern demeanor was too much for him to bear.
His sobs quickly died down, replaced by soft whimpers. His large eyes filled with tears as he looked helplessly at Kylie, silently pleading for help.
Kylie’s eyes darkened, her expression hardening. “Apologize, or I’ll have your uncle tell your dad.”
She shot a quick glance at Victoria, who calmly sipped her tea, her face betraying no emotion.
Connor reluctantly apologized. Ryan said it was fine, but the prince bit his lip, turned, and ran off without even bowing to Victoria before leaving. Kylie quickly stood. “Mother, please calm down. I’ll go teach him a lesson.”
Victoria gave a slight nod. “Go on.”
Sophie rose. “Your Majesty, please take care.”
Kylie’s gaze flicked briefly to Sophie’s face, and she forced a smile. “Please, stay seated. When you have the time another day, come and visit me.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” Sophie replied.
Before turning, Kylie cast a look at Rafael. The coldness in his eyes almost made her lose her composure. She quickly averted her gaze and hurriedly left the room.
Helen immediately rushed to Ryan and hugged him tightly, her heart full of both concern and anger. If it weren’t for her sister being here, she would have taught Connor adesson herself.