Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The speaker was Helen.
She had never previously had issues with Heather, mainly because
Harvey was a minor prince with no skills or capabilities. Both he and his wife were utterly ineffectual Defeating someone like him provided no sense of achievement chemover.
However, after learning that Heather had refused Sophie’s gifts to add to Leona’s trousseau, Helen took an immediate dislike to Heather and viewed her as an adversary.
Her scornful remarks left no room for Heather to preserve any dignity. Anger and embarrassment flashed across Heather’s face.
She dared not offend Helen. Besides being the queen dowager’s younger sister, Helen had a son who had returned with military honors. On top of that, Helen herself had a sharp tongue. If they argued, Helen might utter even more unpleasant words.
Heather knew she was in the wrong, but was powerless to change the situation.
Leona was pregnant, and her husband was taking concubines-what could she, as a mother, do to interfere in her daughter’s household matters? Moreover, Harvey had stated that taking concubines was normal for men. If Leona couldn’t tolerate it, she would be accused of jealousy. After Helen finished speaking, she gave Sophie a significant look. It was as if to say that there were things Sophie couldn’t say herself.
Helen’s words drew scornful glances from everyone present towards Heather.
Heather felt a mix of grievance and shame. She looked at Sophie, hoping the latter might say something on her behalf. Yet Sophie’s expression remained indifferent, her eyes betraying no emotion. Heather had no choice but to give up.
However, Heather silently resented Sophie.
How could she not speak up for her own aunt? How would she face Melanie in the afterlife after acting this way?
Everyone continued chatting for a while before Eleanor finally returned. After the customary exchanges of greetings, everyone resumed their seats.
As if the tension between them had never existed, Sophie greeted Eleanor with a respectful nod. Eleanor was even better at masking her feelings, and she gave Sophie a warm, attentive glance. Victoria inquired about Ruth, and Eleanor replied, “Mom’s health has improved somewhat, but she won’t be joining us for the New Year’s Eve celebration tonight. With the cold weather, she needs to avoid. worsening her condition.”
“Of course. I’ll have the royal physician pay extra attention to her. Don’t worry too much,” Victoria reassured.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Eleanor said.
As it was nearly time for the feast, the palace servants came to escort them. Everyone stood and followed Victoria to the dining hall.
In public, the king and queen displayed their harmonious affection, though everyone knew Salvador’s current favorite was a concubine named Sylvia. Tonight, Sylvia could only watch as the king and queen showcased their love.
Consequently, Sylvia observed how Salvador’s gaze frequently wandered toward Rafael and Sophie. The Hell Monarch and his wife. were indeed affectionate. While seated, Rafael would pick out dishes for his wife and place the ones she disliked into his own bowl.
Sylvia noticed Salvador’s gaze towards them was particularly complex, though it quickly returned to its usual demeanor.
Recalling the rumors she had heard, Sylvia remembered that Salvador had originally intended to bring Sophie into the palace as a concubine.
Sylvia’s gaze towards Sophie carried a hint of cold, deep-seated jealousy. Fortunately, Sophie was already the Hell Monarch’s princess consort. Despite Salvador’s admiration for Sophie’s e righteousness would prevent him from coveting his brother’s wife.
his
She had to admit that the beauty of the once-divorced woman was truly breathtaking. Even though Sylvia was a woman, once one’s eyes were drawn to Sophie, it was hard to look away. If that was the case for women, how could men not be moved?
It was surprising Rafael was also so easily enchanted by a woman. With his status, he could have married any noblewoman he wished. To choose a woman who was once divorced was truly laughable.
In her heart, Sylvia held a deep disdain for Sophie, and this disdain extended to Rafael as well.
Yuvan remained silent throughout, his gaze sweeping over each face, trying to discern the undercurrents beneath their polished exteriors. Eleanor was similarly observant.
They hadn’t missed Sylvia’s expression, and Eleanor knew that some matters needed to be addressed by the king’s confidante to be truly effective.
After the dinner, everyone bid their farewells and returned to their respective homes.
Sophie held Ryan’s hand, and performed a respectful curtsy to Victoria and Kylie. “I will take my leave.”
Salvador’s gaze lingered on her face as he smiled. “Sophie, you should spend more time in the palace to accompany the queen dowager. She often thinks of you.
“Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll keep your words in mind,” Sophie replied.
Salvador gave a slight nod, his gaze still fixed on her, making Sophie hesitate to look up.
It was Kylie who finally spoke up, “You should head back now. Ryan looks tired.”
“Yes, I will take my leave.” Still holding Ryan’s hand, Sophie turned and left.
Sylvie made a dismissive sound and looked at Salvador, who was still watching Sophie’s retreating figure, his gaze ingering for a long time, There was an emotion in his eyes that she had never seen before-it was the same warmth that had been present when Rafael had tooked at Sophie.
being infatuated with Sophie’s beaty?
Hayden had been granted the title of duke, and lived a relatively comfortable life in his fief.
It wasn’t that he desired to return alone to the capital to spend his old age in solitude. He had hoped to have his descendants around him. However, as he grew older, he longed for a return to his roots. It was also partly to show the king that with his presence in the capital, it ensured his children and grandchildren would remain loyal.
Hayden wasn’t concerned about his own family, but he had noticed some troubling signs. He feared that ambitious individuals might try to win over the various local princes and dukes. That was why he anxiously returned to the capital and retired, to keep a closer watch on things.
Tonight, he had taken Rafael aside. Hayden wanted to pretend he was drunk to speak his mind-whether as a warning or a hint, it was the most he could do.
Before parting, he patted Rafael on the shoulder. “I must say, I quite like your wife. Bring her to visit me sometimes.”
Rafael smiled and replied, “Of course, I will.”
“Good. I’ll be on my way!” Hayden stroked his beard and laughed heartily as he left, walking steadily and showing no signs of drunkenness.
As Rafael turned, he saw Sophie approaching with Ryan. He went to meet them and, out of habit, took her hand.
“Are you cold?”
“Not at all. I’ve had a few drinks, so I’m feeling quite warm,” Sophie replied. She had only had a few small cups during the toasts.
She added, “Mother has had quite a bit to drink. She decided to stay in the palace tonight to keep the queen dowager company, and Kiera is staying with her.”
“Let her be,” Rafael said, holding Sophie’s hand while she held onto Ryan. They left the palace and made their way home.
Hell Monarch Estate was lively that night, with Violet and Travis as guests. Since it was New Year’s Eve, they planned to enjoy a good meal.
Jacob had prepared several large baskets of coins, ready to reward anyone who offered their blessings when they all gathered to ring in the New Year. Whoever spoke well would receive a generous handful. For each basket of coins, there would be a basket of compliments to match.
As Rafael and Sophie settled into their home, servants streamed in, offering well-wishes and compliments as they went about their duties.