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Helen was startled and quickly grasped Sophie’s arm, looking like an aggrieved kitten. She was just trying to show maternal concern! She didn’t understand why Rafael was being so harsh.
Sophie said, “Mother, such talk is inappropriate, even within the estate. It was the king’s decision.”
Helen nodded. “I understand.”
Sophie then lightly tapped Rafael’s arm. “Don’t speak so loudly.”
Seeing his mother’s reaction, Rafael realized he had been too harsh. “I’m sorry, Mom. I raised my voice a bit.”
Looking aggrieved, Helen said, “You shouldn’t speak loudly to your mother. If others hear it, they might say you’re disrespectful.”
Rafael glanced at Sophie, paused, then said, “I’ll be more mindful, Mom.”
With that, Helen decided to skip finishing her coffee and retreated to her room.
Though the sky had darkened, the weather wasn’t too cold, and the breeze carried a hint of warmth.
The couple walked hand in hand through the courtyard.
Rafael informed his wife, “Aunt Avis was buried at Ethereal Peak in Valken The funeral followed a princess consort’s rites. In death, she was granted the honor she deserved as a princess consort.”
Due to the freezing rain, Avis’ funeral had taken place not long ago. Neither Sophie nor Rafael had attended. They had sent Jacob in their stead.
Sophie felt a pang of sadness. “It’s all just for show.”
“Don’t be disheartened,” Rafael said softly, squeezing her hand. “At least you were there to keep her company before she left.”
“Yeah.” Sophie lowered her head, not saying much.
“Jacob said that Randall truly mourned Aunt Avis. He was the sincerest in his grief at the funeral, while Sabrina and Stephanie only managed to squeeze out a few tears to put on a show of sadness.”
Sophie recalled the faces of the two sisters. When they heard of their mother’s death in Hell Monarch Estate, they seemed indifferent, as if their mother had already been dead in their hearts long ago.
Changing the topic, she said, “I’ve sent a notice to Gracehold Estate. I’ll be visiting Leona tomorrow.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” Rafael asked.
Sophie smiled. “We’re just having a chat between cousins. What would you do there? Besides, you don’t have a day off tomorrow.”
“I’ll act like an incompetent official and stay away from the Supreme Court to go with you.”
Sophie replied, “There’s no need.
I’ve asked Vivi to come with me, and
I’ve also invited Rowan to join us. He’ll check Leona’s health. Samuel taking a concubine must have been a severe blow to her.”
“Alright.” Rafael frowned, clearly having little regard for Samuel.
Sophie suddenly said softly, “Leona loved Samuel deeply, but it’s a pity her affection was misplaced.”
Rafael pulled her into an embrace, his voice filled with determination as he said, “I love you very much too, and I know my love isn’t misplaced.”
Sophie rested her head against his chest. For a moment, her body felt tense, but slowly, warmth spread through her heart.
How could his chest be so warm and solid?
Rafael waited patiently for a long time. When Sophie remained silent, he felt no disappointment. Sooner or later, she would come to truly love him and express it in her own words. Their lifetime together was long, and he was willing to wait.
The next day, Sophie, accompanied by Violet and Rowan, visited Gracehold Estate with some generous gifts.
The Earl of Gracehold’s wife, Abigail, greeted them with her family. Samuel was the eldest legitimate son and the heir of the earl. With his noble background, accomplishments, and good looks, he was indeed someone many women would eagerly pursue.
As a princess consort, Sophie was accorded a grand reception.
It was known that the Earl of Gracehold, Noah Langley, had many concubines. However, none were present that day. Only the wives from the second, third, and fourth branches of the family, along with their children, came out to meet Sophie and her entourage.
Abigail appeared to be around forty. She was slightly plump, but exuded the shrewdness and elegance of a seasoned matriarch.
Noah’s sons and daughters came out to pay their respects. Sophie personally presented the gifts. After conversing pleasantly with them for a while, the Langley family members were ushered outside by Abigail.
Sophie’s gaze then fell on Leona. Leona was still in the early stages of pregnancy, but her eyes were reddish, and she looked notably thinner.
Sophie’s heart ached for her.
Abigail noticed this, and smiled as she said, “Leona has been unable to keep any food down since her pregnancy began-everything she eats makes her sick. Only recently has she started to feel a bit better.” Sophie understood that a pregnant woman needed extra care, both physically and emotionally.
Though Abigail seemed shrewd, she didn’t appear to be the type of harsh mother-in-law. Her gaze towards Leona was gentle and kind.
Of course, it was also possible that she was merely putting on an act.
Madison, the wife of Noah’s second brother, spoke with a smile, “Since Leona is pregnant, we have forbidden everyone in the house from eating lamb as the smell makes her nauseous.”
Her words carried deeper meaning, suggesting that everyone in the household would accommodate Leona’s needs and not neglect her.
Madison was articulate, but the wife of Noah’s fourth brother’s wife, Isla, who was rather blunt, interjected, “Yes, we all avoid the smell of lamb like that. But strangely, Ruby enjoys roasted lamb, and Samuel spends every day eating it with her. Afterward, he uses the excuse of the smell to avoid spending time with Leona.”
Abigail shot her a sharp look. Realizing her mistake, Isla quickly fell silent.
Sophie glanced at Leona, who looked to be on the verge of tears. She sighed inwardly, but acted as if she hadn’t heard Isla’s comment.
“I’ve brought a physician today. He’s an apprentice of Sebastian. I’d like him to examine Leona and see how the pregnancy is progressing.”
Upon hearing that the physician was one of Sebastian’s apprentices,
Abigailquickly stood and bones
“Thank you for coming all the way here, sir.”
Rowan returned the bow, then proceeded to sit beside Leona. After arranging the mat, Leona extended her hand.
Rowan checked her pulse with both.