Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Rafael’s presence was a form of redemption for Avis. She had always felt guilty toward her late sister, but seeing Sophie find happiness in a second marriage, she felt that her guilt would be somewhat alleviated even if she were to die now.
Her mood improved, as did her appetite. That day, Avis managed to finish a full bowl of oatmeal, giving everyone a glimmer of hope.
However, Rafael could only stay for half a day before needing to return to the capital. After the New Year, celebrations in the capital would be in full swing. The celebrations would last for fifteen days, from New Year’s Eve to the day of the Starfall Festival.
During these fifteen days, the king would personally visit Skyward Sanctum, the sacred platform for ceremonies. He would then enjoy the festivities at the city gates with the common folk and watch the fireworks.
The Capital Guard and the garrison unit needed to make early preparations, urging the Ministry of Housing to build high platforms outside the city walls so the king and court officials could watch the fireworks. After visiting Avis, Sophie and Rafael talked in the small wooden cabin outside. Travis had used the cabin for a night, but the bedding was neatly arranged. Although the furniture was old, it had been cleaned thoroughly.
Sophie shared the situation regarding Avis with Rafael, who was equally shocked upon hearing about Yuvan’s reasons for the divorce.
“That’s absurd, isn’t it? Having no sons and jealousy-none of those accusations are convincing,” he said, frowning.
“There’s always something that can be used to convince others, like Aunt Avis’ grave illness,” Sophie replied, her frustration evident. She felt a weight in her chest that wouldn’t ease.
“And he plans to marry Violet? What is Uncle Yuvan thinking?” Rafael mused.
He frowned, his sharp mind quickly piecing things together. He and Sophie were on the same page.
If Yuvan proceeded with this, his actions could very well lead to his own downfall.
The Spencer family was a prominent family from Ebonflow. Although they didn’t hold official positions in the capital, they had a strong influence through numerous local officials across various regions.
Also, their business ventures were extensive. They weren’t quite wealthy enough to rival entire nations, but if someone were to claim they were the richest family in Starhaven, few would argue otherwise. However, Fiona’s family, the Judd family from Valken, was also quite wealthy.
Rafael wondered if Yuvan was seeking more than just wealth from the Spencer family. His insistence on marrying Violet made the situation far more complicated.
“I’ll keep an eye on it,” Rafael said.
After a pause, he remembered that he was also currently under Salvador’s suspicion.
He softly added, “I can only observe in secret.”
Sophie understood his dilemma.
Despite the tough battle at the Southern Frontier, Rafael had returned with only superficial glory. Behind the scenes, Salvador was wary of him and had taken away his military power.
If Salvador discovered that Rafael was secretly investigating another prince, he might become even more suspicious of him.
“Perhaps it’s best to not get involved?” Sophie posited, worried about her husband.
Rafael smiled warmly, reaching out to touch her cheek. “If we ignore it and chaos erupts, won’t it be the men in our army who suffer? Won’t it be the common people who bear the brunt?” Sophie sighed. “I understand. It was just a moment of frustration.”
Only soldiers truly understood the horrors of war, and only genuine military leaders felt the pain of the soldiers who charged into battle.
“Don’t worry. be careful,” Rafael said, gently stroking his wife’s cheek with his fingertips. “Given how serious your aunt’s condition is, I’m afraid you can’t leave yet. I’ll come back to fetch you before the New Year’s Eve palace banquet
“Okay. Sophie nodded. “Be careful on your way back.”
Rafael kissed her forehead and reluctantly pulled away. Then, he and Dylan mounted their horses and left.
Sophie returned to the small courtyard, where Jasmine was preparing Avis’ medicine. Though Avis had usually been unable to keep even half of it down, today she managed to get it all down. Seeing her niece enter, Avis’ once-pallid face gained a hint of color. “Sophie, you’ve come.”
Sophie sat by the bed, taking the medicine bowl from Jasmine. “I’ll feed her.”
“Alright.” Jasmine stepped aside to watch.
Sophie was about to give her aunt the medicine when Avis reached out to stop her. “Sophie, remember this: if something happens to me, don’t go looking for trouble with anyone. Just focus on living your own life.”
“Why are you saying such things? You’re getting better and will continue to improve. Don’t talk like that.”
“Everyone has to die eventually,” Avis said with a smile, though her eyes were full of deep sadness. “Sometimes, living is torment and death is the only relief.”
“Aunt Avis!” Sophie’s expression hardened. “I don’t want to hear that.”
Avis gripped Sophie’s wrist tightly, glancing anxiously outside. Her breathing was rapid, and she struggled to keep her voice steady.
“Listen to me. Prince Yuvan is not a good man. He has been conspiring with Grand Princess Eleanor.”
Sophie was stunned. “What?”
She hurriedly sent everyone out, instructing Violet to stand guard at the door.
“Aunt Avis, what do you mean by that?”
Avis’ head sank, her voice filled with fear and cold dread as she continued, “Over the years, he has been secretly raising troops in Valken, funded by Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Fiona. Those soldiers are hidden in Stonebridge County.”
Sophie knew Stonebridge County. It was Eleanor’s fief, the dowry the late king had given her.
“Do not offend him. Do not become his enemy. He is not as simple as outsiders think,” Avis said, her breath growing weaker.
Perhaps the revelation of this secret had frightened her deeply.
“Over the years, he has caused a scandal with his favoritism and abandoning his wife. Do you really think he favors Lady Fiona? It’s just a ploy to create a bad reputation and deceive the current king,” Avis added.
Sophie was horrified.
Everyone believed Yuvan to be a worthless, idle man-at least, Sophie had thought so.
Salvador might have had spies in Valken, but Stonebridge County was Eleanor’s territory, and she hadn’t even settled there. So, why would Salvador keep an eye on Stonebridge County?
No wonder Eleanor was so brazenly amassing wealth.
After revealing this, Avis lost strength and drifted into a deep, exhausted sleep.
On the twenty-eighth day of December, Avis seemed slightly better, eating half a bowl of oatmeal for lunch and another half for dinner. She even asked if there was more, and ended up eating an additional half bowl.
Sophie was overjoyed at her aunt’s improvement. She urged Avis to rest well, hoping that after the harsh winter, everything would be better with the arrival of spring.
Avis’ eyes shone as she smiled faintly. “Alright.”
Sophie was wrapped up in her own joy, oblivious to the silent exchange of glances between Ivy and Jasmine, both of whom sighed quietly.