Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“I asked the bookseller about it, and he said a man in black clothing had bought them, instructing him to send them here,” Shayla recounted.
Sophie’s thoughts turned to Faelan and his men.
Could it have been them who sent the books? Had they still been in Victory Pass at that time? But after their meal at Spring Pavilion, they had dispatched people all over the city in search of them, and there had been no trace.
The question lingered in her mind, but there was no way to confirm it. Even if she wanted to, she would have to wait the three to five years they had mentioned.
After resting at Victory Pass for five days, Kendrick finally recovered. Now that he was well, it was time to set off for the capital.
Though Sophie was reluctant to part with her family, she could only say a tearful farewell. She bowed deeply to Dominic, nearly causing tears to spill from his own eyes.
Davis, who held the utmost respect for Dominic, was the most emotional. While Sophie silently wept, Davis openly wept. He knew this was likely the last time he would ever see the venerable old general, who had served Starhaven in Victory Pass for decades.
Dominic was already in the twilight years of his life, and he looked much frailer than the last time they had met. Even though Salvador had granted him leave to return to the capital, the long, grueling journey would likely be too much for him to bear, and the Sullivan family might not permit him to make the trip.
Dominic spoke with Davis for a while, and the latter’s sobs grew louder.
Cindy had never asked about the details of Heather’s situation. But now, at the moment of parting, she pulled Sophie aside and inquired about it.
Hearing that she was in prison but that Leona had been helping her, making sure her days weren’t too hard, Cindy let out a small sigh. If a crown prince was appointed and a general amnesty was granted, Heather might even be released.
“Well, that’s good. Though your grandfather never speaks of it, I know he still worries. There aren’t many parents who are truly cruel-hearted. Your grandfather’s not cruel, but Heather-well, her treatment of Leona was harsh. It’s a wonder Leona still looks after her.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt Cindy. Leona is doing well and living freely now, and she’ll only get better from here on out,” Sophie reassured her.
“Indeed, she will,” Cindy said, her gaze lingering on her niece as tears welled up in her eyes. “After this farewell, I don’t know when we’ll see each other again.”
Sophie’s voice caught in her throat as she replied, “I’ll come back. I’ll visit whenever I can.”
Cindy wiped away her tears with her fingers, regaining control of her emotions, and managed to force a smile. “Good. That’s good.”
As Sophie turned her head, she saw Blake standing among the farewell group, staring blankly in her direction. As soon as their eyes met, he quickly lowered his gaze, looking slightly flustered. Sophie averted her eyes, preparing to leave.
The hooves of the horses kicked up dust, the wind carrying it in swirling gusts. Before they realized it, the weather had turned cooler.
As the group left Victory Pass,
Sophie remained lost in thought, her spirits low. The joy of reunion had been great, but the pain of parting was just as deep. The sand from the wind often stung her eyes, causing tears to fall. Violet rode alongside her, saying nothing, but offering silent companionship.
The journey back was slower than when they first arrived. Though everyone was eager to return, Kendrick still recovering from the several assassination attempts and injuries, was visibly broken. As soon as they set off, he fell ill again.
Traveling turned into a slow trek, with good food, good rest, and comfortable lodging along the way. He said he couldn’t endure even the slightest hardship now. Otherwise, he might not make it back alive.
“Besides, after all I’ve done, who else deserves to take credit for the success of this mission if not me?” he said.
He had already suffered enough.
People complained about him being spoiled, but there was nothing they could do. He really was sick, especially at night when he would start running a fever. It wasn’t high, but was enough to wear him out.
Even Violet couldn’t argue with him. She saw firsthand how his once healthy, round face had grown gaunt, his complexion pale and waxen. He seemed to have lost all trace of color.
Davis, seeing that the pace was unsustainable, consulted with Dorian to find out what was truly ailing Kendrick and how best to treat him.
Dorian sighed. “It’s likely the stress from the repeated attacks while traveling through Orivenia that’s affecting him. The constant threat of death, the emotional strain-it’s alt taking a toll. The fatigue from the journey hasn’t helped either. He’s not used to such hardship. In Orivenia, he kept his guard up, but now that he’s finally allowing himself to relax, the exhaustion has taken root.”
Davis sighed in response. “There’s nothing to be done then. We’ll have to continue at this pace. We can’t afford for him to really die.”
Meanwhile, in the capital, there were those anxiously awaiting their return.
Rafael and Salvador, both growing impatient, had received the official report. However, they knew that only when the travelers returned could they get the full details of what had transpired.
On the fifteenth of October, the envoy delegation finally returned to the capital.
The Mystic Army dispersed on the spot, while Davis, Alden, and the other officials made their way to the palace to report to the king. Kendrick, who had been weak and unable to stand on his own, seemed to find strength now. He insisted that he accompany them to the palace as well.
As for Sophie, Rafael had been waiting at the city gates for her. Every day, he had someone stationed there. Sometimes, during his midday breaks, he would go himself. Today, he finally caught sight of her.
While Davis and the others were reporting at the palace, Sophie went to see Helen with Rafael. Seeing her daughter-in-law’s fatigue, Helen urged her to hurry and bathe and change. With that, the couple returned to Orchid Hall.
When Sophie emerged in fresh clothes after her bath, her lips were oddly swollen. Joy stared at her, surprised. Without thinking, she glanced at Rafael. It seemed that when Sophie was bathing, Rafael had insisted on attending to her personally, though he clearly hadn’t done a good job.
Inside the study, Jacob and Kyle were already waiting. Sophie shared the details of her trip to Orivenia-the attempted assassinations, Lisandra’s predicament, and the cryptic warning from Faelan regarding the three-to-five-year timeline.
Rafael listened, clearly shaken. Orivenia was in such turmoil; his wife had been fortunate to escape unharmed.
Regarding Faelan’s ability to move freely in and out of Victory Pass and the ominous statement about those three to five years, Kyle suggested they could write to Adrian. Their mentor was likely familiar with Faelan’s group and might have an insight into what the statement really meant.
Once Sophie finished explaining, Rafael insisted that she rest and not talk any longer. He had intended to take the afternoon off, but just as he was about to do so, a messenger arrived from the palace, summoning him.
Sophie decided to go with him. After being gone for three months, she should pay a visit to Victoria. Plus, Sebastian was in the palace, and she wanted to bring the Snow Blossoms to him.
Once they were in the carriage and had spent some time together, Sophie finally asked about the three princes’ education.
“Prince Connor has indeed made progress. He’s been working much harder than before,” Rafael replied, looking pleased.
“Does that mean the crown prince position is his for the taking?” Sophie asked.
“That seems likely. His Majesty is quite pleased with him. He’s invited the prince to meals a few times,” Rafael said.
Sophie thought this was for the best. So long as Connor worked hard, he would be the rightful heir, and there would be no contention over the crown.
Once inside the palace, Rafael headed to the royal study, while Sophie went to see Victoria. When the queen dowager saw her, noticing the dark redness of her sunburned skin she was deeply concerned. Yet, she kept her worries to herself, offering only praise instead.
If this was the path Sophie had chosen, then she, like any man, should endure the hardships that came with it.
Although Sophie had eaten at home, Victoria insisted on feeding her a bowl of royal jelly soup before allowing her to seek out Sebastian. She had brought only one Snow Blossom with her, but when Sebastian laid eyes on it, his face lit up with intense joy.
“You brought this from Orivenia? You bought it there?” he asked, eagerly taking the flower and inhaling its familiar fragrance.
“It was a gift from Mr. Stellwyn. He sent a whole basket, but I only brought one to show you,” Sophie explained, pleased to see his reaction.
It was clear the Snow Blossom was indeed a key ingredient for Snowdrop Pills.