Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Sophie quickly nodded in acknowledgment. “Of course. We will await your visit with Prince Faelan, Your Grace.”
After their departure, the door to the private room closed behind them. Sophie and Violet descended the stairs, both feeling perplexed.
Faelan had said they would meet in three or five years, while Elysia had specifically mentioned four years. What was the significance of these years?
It didn’t feel like a casual remark. If it had been mere pleasantries, they could have simply said, “We’ll meet again when the time comes.”
But one spoke of three or five years, while the other said four, giving the impression that something significant might occur during those years.
Sophie remembered what Sebastian had said that he would do his best to prolong Salvador’s life for another three years. Could it be related to that?
She quickly dismissed the thought as absurd.
How could people from Nerathia possibly know of such matters? Even many court officials were unaware with only Jeremiah and the six department heads privy to that secret. If someone from Nerathia did know, then one would have to question whether someone in court had ties to them.
“What are they plotting?” Violet wondered, her thoughts turning more conspiratorial.
Having witnessed the wars between Sandoria and Orivenia, her first thought was of invasion and pillaging.
“I don’t know.” Sophie shook her head, pausing to think. “But I’m certain they’re trying to hint at something. Could it have to do with His Majesty’s condition?”
Violet’s eyes widened. “Do they know?”
“It’s unlikely. I’m just speculating,” Sophie replied, her voice thoughtful.
“If you’re right… Do they know about the king’s lifespan? Are they that powerful?” Violet murmured to herself.
Sophie recalled the ease of the Nerathians movements through Victory Pass and the depth of their martial art’s prowess, but predicting the life of a ruler… How skilled would one have to be to accomplish that?
Still, it wasn’t entirely impossible.
She remembered Adrian’s words about Nerathia having many gifted individuals. If they were merely making a rough estimate, it wouldn’t be too difficult, especially with a window of three, four, or five years.
BUMS
Yet, the certainty in Elysia’s voice when she spoke of four years stood out. That was a very definitive statement.
–
Before their return journey, Lisandra invited them to the palace. While her words were diplomatic, speaking of the hopeful future between their two kingdoms, Sophie could sense they came from the heart.
Lisandra truly wished for the people to live better lives.
The journey home began in early September. The heat of summer had passed, replaced by a cool breeze.
Liam personally escorted the delegation, accompanying them all the way to Fawnrun City.
The return journey was uneventful-no more attempts on their lives, and everything proceeded smoothly. Once they crossed the rolling mountains, they entered Starhaven’s territory.
They hadn’t notified Dominic in advance, so Sophie didn’t expect anyone to be there to greet them. But as soon as they crossed into Starhaven, they saw Blake leading the Sullivan Army, waiting for them.
Relief was clear on Blake’s face when he saw they had returned safely. He rode forward, then dismounted and greeted Kendrick, Davis, and the others.
“Your Highness, Mr. Lloyd, esteemed lords, Grand General Sullivan sent me to wait here. I will escort you back to Victory Pass.”
Davis raised an eyebrow. “How did Grand General Sullivan know we were returning today?”
“He didn’t know, but he ordered us to wait here every day just in case,” Blake replied.
“Ah, I see.” Davis nodded, impressed by Dominic’s caution.
Kendrick, who had been feeling unwell throughout the journey, lifted the curtain of the carriage. Upon seeing that they had reached Starhaven’s territory, he seemed to regain some strength.
“Let’s set off,” he said.
“Right away!” Blake responded, quickly mounting his horse and leading the way.
Violet noticed how skillful he was even with one hand. It was clear he had trained hard.
She took the reins herself and spoke to Sophie, saying, “He’s not entirely bad, you know. Your mother wasn’t wrong about him. She just couldn’t account for the deceit in people’s hearts.”
Sophie knew Violet wasn’t praising Blake. Her friend was still upset that he had let Melanie down. Now, she was just trying to find a way to make everyone feel better.
Sophie said nothing. No matter Blake’s character, Melanie had only wanted the best for her daughter back then.
That time in Melanie’s life had been the darkest. She had only acted on instinct, striving to secure her daughter’s future. She must have considered countless possibilities, but one could never predict the true nature of people, especially when malice was deliberately hidden.
As the group continued on their way, walking on Starhaven’s land, a deep sense of safety settled in everyone’s hearts.
Upon returning to Stormwatch Keep, Dominic and the others personally came out to greet them. Knowing that everyone was tired and hungry, he quickly arranged for a meal ensuring they were well-fed and had a chance to rest before catching up.
After eating, Sophie bathed and changed, then headed straight to find her grandfather and uncles, not wasting even a moment.
Dominic listened to her story, clapping his hands with a smile. “Good! From now on, Victory Pass will no longer be a desolate, barren border town, but a thriving hub for trade between the two kingdoms. The people here have suffered for so many years. Now, they finally have a chance at a better life.”
As for the division of borders between the two kingdoms, he had no objections, seeing it as temporary. For now, the priority was improving the lives of the people.
If the war continued endlessly, the cost would eventually be passed down to the common folk-increased taxes and heavier military duties, with the blood and sweat of the people paying the price.
Hearing that Faelan had been present to mediate the peace talks, and that the men who had dined at Spring Pavilion were part of his delegation, Dominic chuckled.
“In hindsight, they’re the only ones who could move about freely within Starhaven’s borders. Pity I never got the chance to meet them in person.”
Sophie smiled gently. “If it’s meant to be, we’ll meet them someday. There’s no need to feel regret, Grandpa.”
She refrained from mentioning the three- to five-year timeline, as she didn’t want to add to her grandfather’s speculation. After all, no one really knew what it meant.
With Kendrick needing some time to rest in Victory Pass, Davis wrote a report and dispatched it swiftly the capital.
Though Sophie missed Rafael, she was content to stay in Victory Pass for a few more days. An opportunity like this was rare, after all. With official business completed, Sophie felt lighter at heart. She and Violet spent their days enjoying the sights of Victory Pass, taking in the views of the borderland.
They also visited the orphanage. Shayla mentioned that before they left Victory Pass for Orivenia, someone had delivered a batch of books, intended for the children to read when they grew older.