Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
That adorable, innocent expression…
Rafael couldn’t tell if it was the effect of the alcohol or his emotions, but he could barely think straight.
As their lips touched, any remaining shred of rationality dissolved, and the spinning sensation returned, overtaking him once again.
Sophie found herself pressed against his chest, his strong arms encircling her with such force that his solid, iron-like chest made it almost impossible for her to catch her breath. But perhaps the real reason she was gasping for air was because his lips were firmly pressed against hers.
Was he acting like a puppy, just nuzzling indiscriminately?
If he knew his wife’s thoughts, Rafael would swear he wasn’t just clumsily nuzzling her. He had spent considerable time studying the “sacred texts” on this subject before their wedding, thoroughly analyzing everything from written guides and illustrations to Jacob’s advice.
He knew exactly how to handle this moment skillfully. But he was currently feeling overwhelmingly dizzy and his head was somewhat blank. He needed a moment to recover.
Tonight was their first night together, a moment of deep connection between him and Sophie. He wanted to make sure it was perfect.
Long ago, as a young man, he had cherished thoughts of her, waiting for the day he could finally marry her. He had never been with another woman, as he believed the act to be sacred and only wanted to share those intimate experiences with Sophie.
Because he hadn’t accumulated any experience, Rafael was clumsy and disorganized, struggling to perform as he hoped. But fortunately, the night was long, wasn’t it?
Both of them stumbled through the experience, clumsy and inexperienced.
The candles were meant to burn all night long. And they had a whole lifetime ahead of them, with countless opportunities to connect and explore together.
Before falling into a deep sleep, Sophie had only one thought flashing through her mind.
Was this what sex was supposed to be like? It seemed that she was better at it than Rafael. Her guild junior didn’t seem very skilled at this!
At around seven in the morning, Lily knocked on the door from outside. The inner and outer rooms were separated by a curtain, with the door to the bedroom in the outer area. Hearing the knock, Rafael and Sophie both opened their eyes and sat up almost simultaneously. Both were naturally alert.
Sophie glanced at Rafael, noting he was without clothing, and suddenly realized she was in the same state. She quickly grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around herself. Her face flushed hotly and she assumed she was blushing.
Recalling the previous night’s events, Rafael felt he had not performed very well. He wasn’t quite comfortable meeting his wife’s gaze directly, and was still getting used to the intimacy they shared. So, he quickly grabbed his nightclothes and hid under the covers to put them on.
Once dressed, he cleared his throat and said, “I’ll get up first. You… you should put on your nightclothes, then call someone in to help you change.”
Why did this feel so awkward? He didn’t even dare to look at her directly!
But he couldn’t resist sneaking a glance. This was how Sophie looked upon waking-dazed and somewhat bewildered, yet still beautiful and fresh.
They had to perform the post-wedding rituals this morning and offer Helen a toast. Knowing her nature, she would likely give Sophie a hard time, so it was best not to delay and risk giving her an excuse to cause trouble.
Rafael opened the door, revealing Lily, along with Sophie’s attendants, waiting outside. Gillian was also there.
Upon seeing him, Gillian immediately bowed. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Rafael nodded. “Go in and assist the princess consort with her clothing.”
However, Gillian wasn’t there just to assist with dressing. She was acting on Helen’s orders to check whether Sophie was still pure. So, after the formalities, Gillian entered the bedroom. Seeing Sophie dressed in her nightclothes and rising from the bed, she hurriedly bowed.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
“Please, no need for formalities,” Sophie said, meeting Lily’s gaze.
She felt a wave of shyness as she thought about the marks on her neck, which the nightclothes could barely cover. Despite her embarrassment, she maintained a composed demeanor. “Is everyone here? Let’s begin with washing up and changing.”
Rafael originally had an attendant to attend to him. However, he hadn’t allowed servants into the new residence yet since he wanted Sophie’s opinion on them. After years on the battlefield in the Southern Frontier, his previous attendant had now become a minor official in the household, making it difficult to recall him just for his service.
The current attendant assigned to Rafael was a temporary replacement from Jacob. They hadn’t established much rapport, but he could be changed if needed. Rafael had never required a maid to attend to him, especially not for intimate matters-such duties were strictly off-limits for female servants.
So, Rafael took a set of clothes and went behind the partition screen to change.
As he was about to enter, he saw Gillian rummaging through their bed and quickly called out, “Gillian, what are you doing?”
Gillian had already uncovered the bed and seen the telltale signs of the couple’s intimacy. She smiled, her face creasing with wrinkles.
“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just tidying up the bedding and will send it out to be cleaned.”
Sophie’s face flushed crimson upon realizing what was on the bed. When Lulu came in with water, she began her morning routine of washing and changing. As for Gillian’s actions, she chose to ignore them. Gillian summoned two maids to remove the bedding and prepare the bed anew. Lily glanced at the scene, feeling a mix of sadness and relief.
The sadness came from seeing Sophie, who had spent a year at Valor Estate as more of a figurehead than a true presence, yet having to give so much in return. On the other hand, there was relief in knowing that Blake had not gained any advantage.
The union with Rafael-Sophie’s first genuine, heartfelt connection-had been solidified. With the evidence of their intimacy now present, no one in the mansion would dare question her virtue. Sophie was dressed for court today, as she was to attend an audience with the queen dowager and the king. As Rafael’s princess consort, she was required to wear court attire.
Her dark green dress featured long, large sleeves and was embroidered with gold and silver threads depicting phoenixes and peonies. The deep cyan sash around her waist had two parallel bands flowing down, adorned with gold cloud and phoenix patterns, as well as gold tassels.
The lighter green outer layer had gold embroidery of cloud phoenixes on the front and back, secured with an emerald pendant.
She wore a crown and gold phoenix hairpins, her hair in an elaborate updo. The base of the crown was decorated with green trim and gold jewelry. The ensemble reflected the dignified and solemn demeanor appropriate for a princess consort.
Given the cold weather, Lily also provided Sophie with a green hooded cloak. Although the hood couldn’t be worn due to the crown, it hung naturally down her back. The cloak was edged with white, and the hood had white fur trim, giving it a regal yet charmingly playful appearance.
Rafael needed to wear formal court attire, but he couldn’t manage it on his own-it was simply too complicated.
In the end, he took the attire out to the outer room and called for Luke and a servant to help him dress.
He wore a crown and a green outfit with griffin patterns embroidered on the shoulders. His waist was bound with a blue sash, and on either side of his waist hung emerald pendants decorated with gold- etched cloud and griffin patterns, threaded with emerald beads. The pendants were fastened with golden hooks and secured with four-colored ribbons.
The grand sash was woven in red, white, azure, and green. Rafael’s tall, slender frame made him appear even more imposing and dignified in this luxurious attire.
Sophie still needed to lightly brush her eyebrows and apply a touch of powder. Even with her naturally stunning beauty, it wouldn’t do to face the day without any makeup. Once she was fully dressed and groomed, Canssa was escorted out by Lily, Lulu, and her other attendants,
Sophie asked about Ryan first. Upon learning that he hadn’t risen yet and that Joy was attending to him, she felt at ease
As she walked out of the room, she met Rafael’s gaze, who had just finished dressing.
Perhaps it was because they were both dressed so solemnly today that they forgot about the intimacy they shared the previous night, and the awkwardness melted away.
Almost instinctively, Rafael extended his hand. Without hesitation, Sophie placed her hand in his. They exchanged a smile, and walked out together.
From where she was following behind, Lily wiped away her tears. She had promised herself not to cry, but seeing how loving Rafael and Sophie were, Lily couldn’t help but shed tears of joy.
Helen was already seated in the ceremonial chair in the main hall. The chair had been custom-made at her special request. Though she didn’t often sit in the outer courtyard’s main hall, as Sophie would typically have to visit her chambers to greet her in the future, today, she felt the need to exert her authority.