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“Yes, everyone will get their retribution.” Sylvia trembled with fury as she glared at the shameless queen before her. “Wait and see.”
“At this point, you’re still unrepentant. You’re truly beyond redemption,” said Kylie, then turned and left without another word.
Naturally, word of the incident soon reached Victoria. She sighed and shook her head.
“What a fool. She’s clever enough to attempt clearing her name and testing the king’s response, yet blind to the fact that someone is deliberately stirring up conflict between them, waiting to reap the benefits of their strife.”
Soon, Victoria issued an edict, stating that Sylvia had been relocated to Laurel Palace so Cecil could recover in peace. Under no circumstances was she to be neglected.
With the queen dowager watching over them, the Royal Management Department didn’t dare slack in their duties. Sylvia still received food, clothing, and provisions befitting her rank. However, when her family sought an audience with her, they were turned away under the pretense that Cecil’s recovery required absolute quiet.
Gladys had no choice but to seek out Sophie, hoping she could deliver some money on their behalf. If Sylvia could smooth things over with the right people, perhaps she and the children wouldn’t suffer as much.
Gladys didn’t know whether her daughter had truly been involved in Jeanette’s miscarriage, but she did know how difficult life could be for a concubine who had fallen out of favor. The palace was full of people who flattered those in favor and trampled those who had lost power.
Even when Sophie assured her that Victoria had already given orders to protect Phoebe and Cecil, Gladys still wept.
“How could I not worry?” the older woman said, tears streaming down her face. “She’s my daughter. She was in my womb for nine long months, and I gave birth to her after much difficulty.
“She was cherished like a precious treasure in our household, and I raised her personally. I cannot bear the thought of her suffering even the slightest hardship. As her parents, we’ve done all we can for her. From now on, she must walk her own path.”
She choked back her sobs and added, “Please, Your Grace, pass on a message to her for me. Tell her that her body and health are gifts from her parents. She must take the utmost care of herself.”
Sophie froze. A sharp pang twisted in her chest.
She had heard nearly the same words before.
Years ago, when Melanie had arranged her daughter’s marriage to Blake, she had spoken with the same sorrow and love.
“I was no longer young when I carried Sophie. Those nine months nearly cost me my life. She was raised with the love of her parents and brothers, and I cannot bear the thought of her enduring any hardship. She is a wise and well-mannered girl. If you cherish her, she will return those feelings a thousandfold. So, I ask of you, treat her well.”
A parent’s love for their child was ultimately always the same.
Sophie lowered her gaze, her eyes faintly reddened. She softly said, “Very well. I will make sure Lady Sylvia receives your words.”
Gladys bowed deeply, tears falling as she murmured, “Your Grace, I will never forget this kindness.”
“There is no need for such formality,” Sophie said, helping her up. “It is a small favor.”
Aside from the money, Gladys also sent a box of almond cake-Sylvia’s favorite.
“She’s loved this since she was a child. Even after she entered the palace, she’d mention how much she missed the almond cake I made. She said the palace cooks could make anything, of course, but no matter how skilled they were, their version always tasted a little different.”
She paused to wipe her tears, then added, “Back then, she was only being sweet, coaxing me like she always did. After all, the palace lacks for nothing. But now… perhaps without the luxuries she once had, even the taste of something familiar feels out of reach.”
Sophie offered a few words of comfort before setting off toward the palace, carrying both the money and the almond cake.
Sylvia never expected a visitor at a time like this, least of all Sophie. She sat in her chair, her posture still carrying the grace of a former noble concubine. But with her face swollen and bruised, all the dignity in the world couldn’t mask her humiliation.
“Well, well, who do we have here? A rare guest. Have you come to enjoy the sight of my downfall?” Sylvia said coldly.
Sophie was taken aback the moment she saw Sylvia’s face. She had heard rumors that Kylie had gone to Laurel Palace to make trouble, but hadn’t known it had gone as far as a beating.
“Mrs. Lloyd cannot enter the palace, so she asked me to bring something to you, Your Grace.” Sophie held out a lacquered food box. “She said this is your favorite -almond cake.”
The money was hidden inside, sealed within the box. Sophie acted as though she was unaware of its presence, sparing Sylvia any embarrassment.
At the mention of her mother, Sylvia immediately gestured for a servant to take the box. The moment the lig was lifted she turned away, pressing a hand to her eyes as a quiet sob escaped her lips. Sophie wisely said nothing, giving her a moment to regain her composure.
Sylvia picked up a piece of almond cake, taking slow, delicate bites as if savoring the rarest delicacy in the world. When she finished, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she let out a satisfied sigh.
“At last… I’ve been craving this for so long. I asked Mom for it several times, but she never sent any to me.”
Sophie finally spoke, saying, “Mrs. Lloyd asked me to deliver a message. She begs you to take care of yourself, Your Grace.”
Sylvia lowered her gaze, masking the emotion in her eyes. “Please tell my mom that I am well. Everything is fine. She and my dad mustn’t worry or dwell on things they cannot change.”
“I will deliver your words exactly as you said them,” Sophie promised.
Sylvia’s voice softened as she replied, “Thank you.”
Sophie offered a respectful nod before taking her leave. She had only just stepped over the threshold when Sylvia’s voice drifted after her.
“It was my own foolishness… One moment of greed, one wrong thought, and I reached for something I never should have. And now, my children suffer for my mistakes. Regret comes too late. The world truly does repay what it is owed.”
Sophie hesitated for just a second, then continued on her way without a word.
There seemed to be no end to the debate over appointing a crown prince. Nearly every morning court session saw officials raising the matter.
Finally, on the 18th of December, Salvador made an announcement-he had already chosen a crown prince. However, as the prince was still young, the decision would not be made public just yet. Instead, he had written an edict and secured it high upon a beam in the royal chapel.
During a court session, he declared that he alone knew who the crown prince was. According to him, he had not disclosed the decision to anyone, not even to Jeremiah or Rafael. With that, Salvador spared them from further scrutiny.
However, it was no great mystery.
Connor had long since abandoned his former laziness and arrogance, becoming diligent and eager to learn. His temperament had also grown more refined. Furthermore, Ryan, the future Duke of Northwatch, was his study partner. With all those facts, many believed it was all but certain that Connor was the chosen crown prince.
The reasoning was sound.
Not only was Connor Salvador’s firstborn son with the queen, he had also shed his past shortcomings and was being personally guided by Victoria. Though Caden also enjoyed the queen dowager’s protection, his circumstances were different. Connor no longer returned to Everspring Palace, while Caden was now permitted to return to his mother’s residence.
Among the court officials, many suspected that Malcolm must know the truth. As a result, his household quickly became overwhelmed by visitors, with streams of guests arriving to pay their respects and offer their congratulations. Lavish gifts poured in, including rare treasures from all corners of the empire.
Yet, Malcolm felt no joy, only deep unease. After all, the more prominent one was, the more likely they were to attract trouble and criticism.
If Connor had truly been named crown prince, then Salvador’s next step would undoubtedly be to weaken the influence of the royal in-laws. These eager visitors weren’t simply offering gifts, they were presenting him with a double-edged sword.
However, to refuse them all outright was impossible. To do so would be to offend every one of them beyond measure. Should Salvador ever turn against the Quinton family, they would be left without a single ally to call upon.
With no better option, Malcolm feigned illness and submitted a request for leave. That way, he could justifiably turn away guests while also making his stance clear to Salvador.
His request was swiftly approved. Salvador instructed him to focus on his recovery, and to delegate his ministerial duties in the meantime. Besides, with the new year approaching, court sessions would soon be suspended for the holiday.